Dahlia 'Dark Butterfly'

Dahlia 'Dark Butterfly' is a captivating Orchi-dahlia (or sometimes classified as a Double Orchid) that has become a favourite among UK gardeners for its moody and complex colouring. Each bloom features a mix of deep dusky pink and burgundy-red, with the reverse of the petals being a significantly darker, almost chocolate-maroon shade. The petals are often slightly twisted, adding to the 'butterfly' appearance. Growing to around 90-100cm, it has strong stems and dark green foliage. This variety is particularly prized for cutting due to its unique colour palette and long-lasting flowers. It performs best in a sunny, sheltered spot in the garden. In the UK, it flowers reliably from mid-summer until the first frosts. Tubers should be planted out in late May after being started in a greenhouse. Like other dahlias, they require lifting and storing in a frost-free environment over the winter months to protect the tubers from freezing and winter wet.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H3 — down to −5°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.