Rip City Cactus Dahlia Tubers

Rip City: Semi-Cactus Dahlia Tubers

Dark and dramatic, Rip City is one of the best dahlias you can grow, and it is the flower that sparked the craze for near-black blooms. It is a stunning semi-cactus dahlia with velvety deep wine red flowers, getting darker towards an almost black heart. The 10-15cm double flowers have long, narrow, pointed petals that recurve for more half their length and appear ruffled. It's great to use as a cut flower, either on its own or with other intensely coloured dahlias for instant impact.

A strong grower, reaching 1.2m, with upright flowers held on long, strong stems above dark green foliage from mid-July until the first frosts.
Browse our other Cactus Dahlias or our full range of Dahlias here.

Features

• Colour: Deep red petals with black heart
• Foliage: Dark green divided leaves
• Flower Size: 10-15cm
• Type: Semi-cactus Dahlia type
• Cutting: Yes
• Height/Spread: 1.2m x 1m
• Flowering: July to November
• Outdoor Planting Months: March to July

Growing Rip City Dahlias

All dahlias do best in deep rich soil with good drainage in a sunny spot. If it is windy they will need staking. They are greedy, thirsty plants so will need watering in dry spells, and they will always flower that little bit better if there is a bit of soluble food in the watering can once every couple of weeks.

It is generally more convenient to put support stakes in at planting time, rather than leaving it until there is foliage in the way.

Planting Companions for Rip City

You need a bold hand to use Rip City at its best - try planting it in the middle of a sunny border in groups of at least five for a massed effect, surrounded by white flowers or grey foliage.