Shadow Cat Formal Decorative Dahlia

Shadow Cat Formal Decorative Dahlia 

Enter the twilight garden with Shadow Cat, a stunner in deep chocolate-red hues so dark they verge on black. Each bloom—rich, velvety, and dramatic—stands boldly atop strong stems, promising to bring mystery and elegance to your borders, bouquets, or floral designs. When the evening light fades, Shadow Cat doesn’t fade—it intensifies, making you look twice and insisting on being the star of the garden long after sundown.

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Details

• Form: Ball / Formal Decorative 

• Bloom Size: ~3.5-4 inches 

• Plant Height: Tall (>48″) – around 48-60 inches 

• Stem Strength: Strong — produces long, sturdy stems especially when given a deep initial pinch 

• Unicorn Status: Rare / Collector's Favorite (depending on region; less common than many standard colors)

• Primary Color: Deep Chocolate-Red / Very Dark Red (almost black) 

• Secondary Color: None obvious (its richness lies in its dark tone rather than subtle secondary shading)

• Plant ID: 

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A Bit of History

Shadow Cat is beloved among dahlia enthusiasts for bringing dramatic depth to the garden palette. It delivers one of the earlier chocolate/dark red blooms of the season, making it a choice variety for growers who want strong color contrast. Its reliable performance, especially for cut-flowers, along with tall, vigorous growth, has earned it a reputation not just for beauty but for substance. Gardeners appreciate Shadow Cat for its ability to hold its rich color under sun and shade alike and for being a dependable dark-bloom option where “black” or near-black dahlias are prized.

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Ideal For

• Cutting gardens (bold stems & showy blooms for vases)

• Dramatic borders and focal points in garden beds

• Mixed plantings where deep tones contrast with lighter flowers or foliage

• Floral designs or wedding work needing moody and elegant color---

Pairs Well With

Light creams or whites like Café au Lait Dahlia — to really make Shadow Cat pop

Warm golden or amber tones — for contrast and richness (e.g. gold/yellow dahlias or marigolds)

Silver- or grey-foliaged plants (e.g. dusty miller, lamb’s ear) — for a moody, sophisticated scheme