If you have ever come across a black dahlia flower in a floral arrangement, it’s quite possible that its unique beauty has enchanted you. The black dahlia stands apart among the thousands of dahlia flower varieties and has a profoundly unique symbolism.
Despite multiple dahlia color varieties, black dahlias continue to be quite popular among flowers. This breathtakingly gorgeous bloom exhibits a deep and dark maroon color that can be mistaken for black due to the intense shade of the petals.
The deep velvety petals of the black dahlia flower make it an enchanting addition to any floral arrangement. This flower has captivated flower enthusiasts and horticulturists for years.
Join us as we delve into the history, meaning, and symbolism of the black dahlia and present you with the best tips on how to care for your brooding blooms.
Continue to read to find out how to best arrange these gorgeous flowers in a bouquet!
The Black Dahlia Flower - A Brief History
Black dahlias belong to the family of dahlias. Over the years, flower breeders have selectively chosen different colors of the dahlia flower for breeding and creating the deepest and darkest hue to make “black” dahlias appear truly black.
The name “Black Dahlia” has sinister connotations, too. Black Dahlia is also used to refer to one of the most famous unsolved murders in the history of America. The murder of a 22-year-old Hollywood hopeful in 1947 led to a massive search that went nowhere. The victim, Elizabeth Short, became posthumously known as the Black Dahlia, owing to the fact that she often wore black.
The curious thing is that black dahlias are actually not “black” in color. Their deep hues make them appear so. These flowers have dark red petals that appear black in certain lights or at a distance, giving them their mysterious title.
Meaning & Symbolism of the Black Dahlia Flower
Unlike other cheery and colorful flowers, the black dahlia carries a deeply unique and somber message. These blooms are usually associated with sadness and betrayal, mourning and darkness. So you might want to rethink your choices if you consider this flower a gift for a special and happy occasion.
Thanks to the infamous murder of Elizabeth Short in 1947, people have associated this flower with despair, brutality, and sadness. Due to its deep, dark colors, these flowers are always paired with emotions of melancholy. Of course, there can be other ways to look at the black dahlia flower. Some people also associate it with power, passion, and ambition.
Let’s just say it’s all about perspective!
Varieties of Black Dahlia Flowers
Veronne’s Obsidion
This bloom is the dahlia that is closest to the color black. It boasts black, windmill-like petals and a sunny yellow center that contrasts the deep hue of the petals.
Black Jack Dahlia
The Black Jack dahlia is a classic variety with velvety blackberry color petals in full round form. The deep dark color of these flowers makes them a popular choice for gothic parties or gardens with dark themes.
Black Wizard Dahlia
This black dahlia flower is characterized by its dark, purplish-black center. These large double blooms are truly a statement piece and can add flair to any floral arrangement.
Fidalgo Black Dahlia
This beautiful dahlia features deep, burgundy-red blooms that resemble the color black with their finely cut petals.
Dahlia Black Embers
Dahlia black embers have an almost iridescent quality to them, with their deep maroon petals featuring a blackish tint. The long stems of this flower make it a great choice for cut flowers to add to floral arrangements.
Dahlia Gideon
The Dahlia Gideon is highly coveted for its large ruffled petals that exhibit a deep maroon hue, giving it a black shade in appearance. Its upright stature and bold appearance make it a great addition to any flower arrangement you want to showcase in your home!
How to Arrange Black Dahlia Flowers in a Bouquet
If you want to arrange some black dahlia flowers in your floral arrangement, you can follow these tips and tricks to ensure you get the most out of its visual appeal!
The best time to cut black dahlias is to prune them horizontally in the cool of the morning. Choose bloomed flowers or ones that are just about open, as they will not bloom once you cut them.
Try to make a cut just above the side of buds and leaf nodes to ensure that new blooms continue to grow.
Place the cut ends of the flower in 2 to 3 inches of very hot (but not boiling) water. Let them stay in this position for an hour. This will help in conditioning the flowers and make them last longer.
Strip off all the leaves below the waterline and place them in a vase with other beautiful flowers, such as roses, lilies, double tulips, peonies, and irises.
Change the water in the vase every 2 to 3 days to ensure that your arrangement lasts long. You can add a floral preservative to get the best results.
Conclusion
The black dahlia flower has captivated and enchanted flower enthusiasts and passersby ever since its discovery. Its mysterious allure and breathtaking beauty have made this bloom a favorite in flower arrangements. This unique blossom appeals to those with a versatile taste in floral arrangements. Black dahlia flowers are extremely suited for summer bouquets due to their long stems and visually stunning appearance.
If you are looking for fresh flowers that can bring a pop of color to your space, get in touch with Alpha Floral. We hand-deliver floral arrangements for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and funerals.
Contact us today and learn more about unique flowers that you can add to your floral arrangements!
FAQs
Are black dahlias prone to diseases?
Just like all flowers and plantations, the black dahlia is also susceptible to diseases. The black dahlia flower can suffer from a number of diseases, including botrytis, the mosaic of the dahlia, oidium, and anthrax of the dahlia. Powdery mildew and gray mold caused by fungi are among the most common diseases in Dahlia flowers.
Can I mix black dahlia with other flowers in a bouquet?
Dahlias are among the best cut flowers that you can use for a bouquet, and the black dahlia is no exception! You can definitely add some black dahlias to an otherwise colorful bouquet to add a bit of mystery and brood to your arrangement. Try out a rustic arrangement of spray roses, double tulips, sweet peas, ranunculus, and black dahlias to spruce up your space!
How rare are black dahlias?
There are about 20,000 different varieties of dahlia flowers, and only 10 to 20 of these varieties are close to black in color. The dark color in these mysterious blooms comes from a combination of maroon, deep red, or purple pigmentations. While these flowers are rare, they are not exceedingly hard to find and are fairly popular amongst flower enthusiasts.
What do black dahlias smell like?
Black dahlias are mostly known for their stunning visual appearance. But if you are looking to get an idea of what they smell like, it’s good to know that these blooms have a mild fragrance that is quite pleasant. The strength of the smell may vary depending on the dahlia variety.
