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Bulb
Asteraceae
Dahlia 'Rip City' (Dahlia)
Dahlia × pinnata
Rip City produces 13.5 cm (5 in) double decorative flowers, a deep purplish red that is almost black, on an upright clump 110 cm (43 in) tall. The No. 1 Van Noort tuber should be planted 10 cm (4 in) deep, in full sun, in fertile, well-drained loamy soil. Install support early, pinch the tip, water deeply at the base, and remove spent blooms until frost. This Dinnerplate variety is suitable for beds, large pots, and bouquets. In Quebec, lift the tuber in autumn and store it in a cool, dry, frost-free place. Its dark reddish blooms enrich any arrangement. It blooms generously from July until the first frosts.
- Quantity
- 1 tuber
- Exposure
- Sun
- Life cycle
- Hardy perennial
- Hardiness
- Zone 10
Discover the plant
Common nameDahlia
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusDahlia
TypeBulb
Botanical nameDahlia × pinnata
Reproducible seedsYes
Dahlia 'Rip City' (Dahlia). Dahlia 'Rip City' (Dahlia) The dahlia 'Rip City' produces fully double, purplish-red flowers so dark they appear almost black. Long, narrow, pointed petals radiate around a blackish center, giving the flower head a neat, dramatic semi-cactus silhouette. The international register describes flowers approximately 13.5 cm (5 in) in size, veined and streaked with deep red hues. Tuber No. 1 forms an upright clump about 110 cm (43 in) high by 50 cm (20 in) wide, adorned with dark green leaves. From summer to fall, flower heads follow one another on strong stems suitable for beds, cutting gardens, and large containers.
Their velvety color brings depth and contrast to bright plantings. Plant 'Rip City' in spring after the last frost, when the soil is warm. Lay the tuber 10 cm (4 in) deep, bud side up, in fertile, humus-rich, fresh, and freely draining soil. Allow 50 cm (20 in) around the crown, choose full sun, and protect the plant from strong winds. Install a support upon planting to maintain the stems after rain. Water sparingly before emergence, then deeply at the base when the surface is dry. Pinch back young shoots to 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) to encourage branching.
Mature compost and moderate fertilization, richer in potassium during bud formation, support flowering and firm stems without excess nitrogen. Pair 'Rip City' with white gaura, silver artemisia, cream zinnias, and golden grasses to highlight its almost black flowers. Harvest stems when flower heads are almost open, early in the morning, then continuously remove spent flowers. Very double flowers offer few accessible resources to pollinators; therefore, add single-flowered neighbors. In Quebec, after the first frost, lift the tuber, let its surface dry, label it, and store it in the dark, cool, dry, and frost-free. Check it monthly until the following spring and maintain slight ventilation during storage.
Planting guide
Plant well.Grow beautifully.
Planting depth
10 cm (4 in)
Best planting time
Spring, when the ground is warm
Propagation
Division of tubers each bearing a viable bud
Growing method
After the last frost, loosen a sunny area to 12 in (30 cm) and incorporate mature compost. Place the tuber horizontally 4 in (10 cm) deep, bud side up, then leave 20 in (50 cm) around the crown. Backfill without compacting and only water if the soil becomes dry before emergence. Pinch the shoot 8 to 12 in (20 to 30 cm) above a pair of leaves. Immediately install a sturdy stake. When growth accelerates, water deeply at the base and fertilize sparingly, favoring potassium for buds. Tie the stems with soft ties, harvest flowers when nearly open, and remove spent blooms. After frost, cut the stems, lift the tuber, let its surface dry, and store it in a cool, dry, frost-free place. The deep red to yellow base contrast remains sharper when the plant receives at least six hours of direct sunlight and regular feeding without excess nitrogen. An early-installed stake supports the 5-inch (13.5 cm) flower heads after rain without compressing stems or damaging active roots. Remove faded flowers before seed formation so that the clump directs its energy to new buds until the first frost.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
5 °C (41 °F)
Care level
Moderate
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist without overwatering. Reduce watering before autumn tuber lifting. Before watering, check the moisture beneath the surface with your finger rather than following a fixed schedule. Recent rain, wind, and container growing can quickly alter needs. Direct water towards the soil, at the base of the plant, and allow any excess to drain freely.
Soil type
Choose a humus-rich soil that retains moisture while allowing excess water to drain. Check drainage after rain: water should be able to leave the root zone. Work the soil when it is crumbly to avoid compacting it. Adapt amendments to its actual texture. In containers, use appropriate potting soil and a pot with drainage holes. Keep these openings clear and avoid any accumulation of water in the saucer.
Fertilization
Incorporate mature compost before planting. At the start, use a balanced formula low to moderate in nitrogen, then favor more potassium when buds appear. Follow the recommended dose and water afterward. Too much nitrogen produces tender stems and fewer flowers. The deep red to yellow base contrast remains sharper when the plant receives at least six hours of direct sun and regular feeding without excess nitrogen.
Seasonal care
In spring, inspect the tuber, remove only rotten tissue, and plant after the last frost in warmed soil. Install support immediately. Until sprouting, avoid repeated watering. In early summer, pinch the shoot to 8 to 12 inches (20 or 30 cm), tie new stems, and keep the soil moist without saturation. Once buds appear, fertilize moderately with more potassium. In summer, water deeply at the base during dry periods, harvest flowers when almost open, and continuously remove spent blooms. Monitor for slugs, aphids, earwigs, spider mites, and gray mold. After the first frost, cut the stems, carefully lift the tuber, let its surface dry, label it Rip City, and store it in a cool, dry, dark, and frost-free place. Check it monthly throughout the winter. The deep red with a yellow base contrast remains sharper when the plant receives at least six hours of direct sun and regular feeding without excess nitrogen. An early-installed stake supports the 5-inch (13.5 cm) flower heads after rain without compressing the stems or damaging active roots. Remove spent flowers before seed formation so that the clump directs its energy towards new buds until the first frost. Always water slowly at the base, then allow the top layer to breathe to maintain a balance between moisture, oxygen, and drainage. The deep red with yellow base shades pair particularly well with blue, white, and purple perennials and light grasses.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Capacity 40 to 50 L, deep and very stable
Container gardening requires anticipating the necessary volume for the roots and the plant's final height. Choose a stable pot with drainage holes and a suitable planting medium. Leave enough space to respect the recommended depth and spacing, rather than cramming plants together to fill the pot immediately. Place the container in the indicated exposure and regularly check the moisture, especially in hot or windy weather. A pot is more exposed to temperature variations than planting in the ground. Therefore, from the outset, plan a wintering location compatible with the plant's needs and your region's climate. Plant in spring when all risk of frost has passed and the soil is sufficiently warmed. Choose a sunny spot, sheltered from strong winds, in fertile and well-drained soil. Arrange the tuberous roots with their crown and buds facing upwards, without breaking the fragile attachments. Install a stake at planting if support will be necessary, to avoid damaging the roots later. Water sparingly at the start, then adapt the watering to the foliage growth. Constantly waterlogged soil around the tubers should be avoided, especially before the appearance of the first shoots. Plan to bring in the storage organs indoors, away from frost, for the Quebec winter.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
100 cm (40 in)
Width / spread
40 cm (16 in.)
Flower color
Purplish-red, almost black
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Growth rate
Quick
Bloom period
The large decorative flowers feature broad, velvety, nearly black, burgundy petals that maintain their intensity throughout the season. They bloom continuously until the first frosts with regular maintenance. Dahlia 'Rip City' (Dahlia 'Rip City') Dahlia 'Rip City' produces fully double, purplish-red flowers so dark they appear almost black. From summer to autumn, the flower heads succeed one another on strong stems suitable for beds, cutting gardens, and large containers. Mature compost and moderate fertilization, richer in potassium at bud set, support flowering and firm stems without excess nitrogen.
Harvest
July to October. Pick the flowers when they are fully open for the best vase life.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
To accompany Dahlia ‘Rip City’, you could consider cosmos, zinnias, or ornamental salvias. Choose companion varieties based on their height, flowering period, and the colors you wish to combine. Most importantly, ensure their sun exposure and water needs are suitable for the same location. Leave enough space so that leaves don't shade young shoots and so you can easily access each plant for maintenance. These combinations help create the garden's aesthetic; they do not guarantee protection against pests or diseases. Adjust the layout after observing one growing season.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
When to plant the dahlia Rip City?
Plant the tuber after the last frost, once the soil has warmed and is no longer saturated. Lay it 10 cm (4 in) deep, bud side up, in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Leave 50 cm (20 in) around the crown and install a support immediately. In cold regions, start it in a pot four to six weeks earlier, then gradually acclimate the shoot before planting it out. Water very little before sprouting to avoid rot, then increase watering once the roots and stems are active. Full sun develops strong stems and intensifies the purple-red and black contrast.
What colors do Rip City flowers wear?
Rip City produces dark red florets, broadly colored deep red towards the tip and edged with a fine red rim. The proportion of red varies from one petal and one flower head to another, creating a lively pattern rather than a perfectly regular band. The international register mentions flowers reaching about 13.5 cm (5 in), while Van Noort classifies the variety as Dinnerplate. Abundant light helps the stems remain firm and makes the contrast sharper. However, avoid wetting the flowers when watering: water trapped between the petals can mark the colors and promote gray mold in cool weather.
How to support and help Rip City flourish?
Install a sturdy stake at planting to avoid damaging the roots later. Tie the stems with soft ties as they grow. Pinch back the young shoot to 20-30 cm (8-12 in) to encourage branching. Water deeply at the base when the surface dries, then allow excess water to drain. Incorporate mature compost at the start, then use a moderate fertilizer, richer in potassium, once buds form. Avoid excess nitrogen, which produces tender stems and abundant foliage. Regularly remove faded flowers so that energy is directed to the next buds until frost.
Can Rip City be grown in a large pot?
Yes, choose a stable container of 40 to 50 L, deep, well-drained, and filled with rich but aerated potting soil. Plant a single tuber 10 cm (4 in.) deep and insert the support before the roots develop. Place the pot in full sun, protected from gusts. Water sparingly before sprouting, then abundantly when the top layer dries, without leaving water in the saucer. Apply moderate liquid fertilizer, richer in potassium as soon as buds appear. Turn the container weekly, pinch back new growth, and remove faded flowers to maintain a balanced shape and generous blooms.
How to winterize Rip City in Quebec?
After the first frost blackens the foliage, cut back the stems, leaving a short stub. Lift the tuber with a fork, working far enough away so as not to damage it. Gently remove excess soil, let the surface dry in a well-ventilated area, and clearly label it Rip City. Store it in a dark, cool, dry, frost-free place, in a slightly insulating material that limits drying out without retaining water. Inspect it monthly. Only remove parts showing active rot and increase ventilation if condensation appears. Wait until after the last spring frost and for the soil to warm up before replanting.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
Its very double florets limit access to pollen and nectar. Rip City contributes primarily ornamental value. To feed bees and butterflies, plant sages, verbenas, echinaceas, or other single flowers rich in resources nearby. The deep red contrast with a yellow base remains sharper when the plant receives at least six hours of direct sunlight and regular feeding without excessive nitrogen.
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