Black dahlia varieties

Black dahlias are the varieties sellers describe as black, near-black or black-red; we record them as near-black. The American Dahlia Society color list files the darkest reds in a Dark Red class. The table below compares every variety we list side by side.

Varieties
7
Height
3½–5 ft (107–152 cm)
Hardiness
USDA zones 8–10
Form

4 Formal decorative

1 Pompon

1 Informal decorative

1 Waterlily

Compare all 7 side by side

All 7 black dahlia varieties

A Black Satin dahlia flower up close on the plant Black Satin Formal decorative dahlia with 4 in deep black-red blooms. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall5 ft (152 cm)Formal decorative
A Crossfield Ebony dahlia flower up close on the plant Crossfield Ebony Pompon dahlia with 1.5 in black-red blooms, introduced 1955. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall3½ ft (107 cm)Pompon
A Hollyhill Black Beauty dahlia flower up close on the plant Hollyhill Black Beauty Informal decorative dahlia with 6 in black-red blooms. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall4½ ft (137 cm)Informal decorative
A Karma Choc dahlia flower up close on the plant Karma Choc Waterlily dahlia with 4 in black-red blooms and dark foliage. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall3½ ft (107 cm)Waterlily
A Lights Out dahlia flower up close on the plant Lights Out Formal decorative dahlia with 3.5 in velvety black-red blooms. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall3½ ft (107 cm)Formal decorative
A Nighty Night dahlia flower up close on the plant Nighty Night Formal decorative dahlia with 4 in black-red blooms. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall4½ ft (137 cm)Formal decorative
A Voodoo dahlia flower up close on the plant Voodoo Formal decorative dahlia with 5 in black-red blooms. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall4½ ft (137 cm)Formal decorative

How to choose

  1. Look at the Color column. A variety sold as black is recorded here as near-black, and some carry a second color in a blend.

  2. Compare the Form column, since dark colors appear across ball, decorative and other forms.

  3. Check the Height column before placing dark blooms in a bed. UGA Extension recommends stakes at least 6 feet long for tall plants.

Compare side by side

Color Sunlight
Black Satin Formal decorative 5 ft (152 cm) 8–10 Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Crossfield Ebony Pompon 3½ ft (107 cm) 8–10 Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Hollyhill Black Beauty Informal decorative 4½ ft (137 cm) 8–10 Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Karma Choc Waterlily 3½ ft (107 cm) 8–10 Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Lights Out Formal decorative 3½ ft (107 cm) 8–10 Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Nighty Night Formal decorative 4½ ft (137 cm) 8–10 Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Voodoo Formal decorative 4½ ft (137 cm) 8–10 Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun

Frequently asked questions

Is there a truly black dahlia?

The varieties sold as black are described by their sellers as very dark red, maroon or purple, which is why we record them as near-black. The American Dahlia Society lists them in a separate Dark Red color class.

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