Black Capps Dahlia

Dark, dramatic, and just a little mysterious. Black Capps is the kind of dahlia that makes you stop and take a second look.

Black Capps, also known as Kennedy Hill Black Capps, is a striking American-bred dahlia with exceptionally rich, dark coloring. Its beautifully arranged petals range from deep burgundy and oxblood to velvety maroon, with a center so dark it can appear almost black.

And that contrast is what makes this variety special.

While many red dahlias lean toward bright crimson or cherry red, Black Capps takes things in an entirely different direction. Its flowers have a deep, sophisticated color that brings richness and drama to the garden without needing to shout for attention.

Bred by Michelle Marcho of Kennedy Hill Farm in Saegertown, Pennsylvania, Black Capps is classified by the American Dahlia Society as a Miniature Formal Decorative (M FD DR, 4007). Its beautifully structured blooms feature orderly, overlapping petals that create a wonderfully symmetrical appearance.

Flowers are reported to measure approximately 2–3½ inches across, making them an appealing size for bouquets, arrangements, and floral designs where smaller, richly colored blooms are especially useful.

Plants typically reach 3½–4 feet tall, providing an attractive display of dark, velvety flowers throughout the growing season.

For floral designers, the nearly black-centered burgundy blooms offer an interesting contrast to softer colors. Pair Black Capps with blush pink, champagne, peach, ivory, or dusty lavender dahlias, and the darker flowers help bring the entire arrangement together. It also makes a natural companion for rich autumn colors and dramatic wedding designs.

Whether you're building a collection of dramatic dahlias or looking for a smaller flower with extraordinary color, Black Capps delivers a look that is anything but ordinary.

At a Glance

• Flower Form: Miniature Formal Decorative (M FD)

• ADS Classification: 4007 — Miniature Formal Decorative, Dark Red (M FD DR)

• Bloom Size: Approximately 2–3½ inches

• Color: Deep burgundy, oxblood, dark maroon, and an almost-black center

• Plant Height: Approximately 3½–4 feet

• Cut Flower Use: Attractive for bouquets, floral arrangements, and dramatic color combinations

Breeder Information

Breeder: Michelle Marcho
Breeding Farm: Kennedy Hill Farm
Location: Saegertown, Pennsylvania, USA
Country of Origin: United States
Introduction Year: Not confirmed

Moose's Take

There are dark red dahlias, and then there are dahlias that look like somebody turned the lights down.

Black Capps definitely belongs in the second category.

What catches my attention is the combination of those incredibly dark burgundy petals and the nearly black center. There's a richness to this flower that you just don't get with an ordinary red dahlia.

I also like the smaller Formal Decorative blooms. They're the kind of flowers that can add a lot of visual interest to an arrangement without taking over the whole bouquet.

Pair these with something soft and creamy, and the contrast should be spectacular.

And with a name like Black Capps, I can't help imagining a dahlia that belongs in an old-fashioned detective movie. Dark coat, mysterious past, probably knows where the missing garden tools went.

If you love dahlias with deep, dramatic coloring and beautifully structured blooms, Black Capps is one worth adding to your collection.