Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Trebbiano Dahlia from Breck's

A few days ago my first Trebbiano dahlia from Breck's bloomed. I was so excited that it was indeed black as it was advertised to be (well, at least as "black" as a flower can be).  I think it's gorgeous and it goes just as I had planned with the urns flanking my garage.


 In early June I spent considerable time choosing plants to fill these two new urns.


 I am thrilled that my combination of dark plants  with an unexpected "punch" of late summer color is performing as I expected--at least in one of the urns.

I planted them exactly the same with purple fountain grass, Tropicannas, Trebbiano dahlias, purple heart, asparagus fern and a coleus.  You can see them freshly planted in late May and get my planting "recipe"  by clicking here.   Every two weeks or so, I switched their positions so they would get exactly the same amount of sun.

Here are both urns on Saturday, August 6, 2011:
 They both look pretty good, BUT urn #2 has no Trebbiano dahlia as this close up will prove.

Yes, another Breck's Dud--only one of the two dahlias I purchased came up.  50% success seems to be par for the course.

Here is Trebbiano's description in Breck's own words: "Blooms start out a deep pitch black. As they grow, pointed outer petals change colour to ruby red while centre remains black"

That seems to be true. The  outer petals are indeed changing to ruby red. How exciting!
I also love that my planting choices  go so nicely with the Ninebark shrubs I planted last month.

All in all, I love Trebbiano! I don't love that only one of the two I purchased came up. Now I have a very lopsided planting. 

Here is a bit of trivia for you: Trebbiano is the name of an Italian  wine grape. Juding from my Trebbiano's color, I would have to guess it's a red wine.

These urns are just beginning to show their stuff. The Tropicanna lilies will be blooming soon--big tall ORANGE flowers (that's the unexpected "punch of color" I mentioned in the beginning of this post) .  I noticed a bud on one of them today.

 I can't wait to show you the urns in their full glory.  I think the planting is quite successful, despite the Trebbiano failure in urn #2.

Stay tuned for the Tropicanna bloom update.

I am linking to Jean's Blooming Tuesday today. Please pop over there and see what everyone else has blooming. Jean's linky party is a very friendly one. Almost everybody visits each other's post and comments.  It's not like some of the others with hundreds of people joining, but nobody bothers to visit anyone.  If you have something you would like to share, I am sure Jean would love to have you link up.

13 comments:

  1. I'm sure Brecks will refund your money on that Dahlia. It's a shame that one didn't come up. Oh well, the urns look terrific!
    You have such a talent for combining plants. I could sure use you at my place!
    :)

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  2. Very pretty. You can see a purplish red overcast. Love your container planters.
    Cher Sunray Gardens

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  3. Oh my goodness, you have a Black Dahlia! I've never seen this color... I do have 6 growing out in the yard but the standard colors. Might just go find one of my own!
    Beautiful!
    Sandy

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  4. Zoey your urns are striking . Wonderful colour combo something I would like to try .... Looking forward to seeing them later in the season .... I too find that often one or two of my special orders don't grow either no matter how hard I try.....

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  5. Love, love, love your gorgeous containers Zoey. Dark burgundy foliage is my favorite and you did a great job combining all the different plants. They compliment each other beautifully. :)

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  6. You have very unique beautiful colors for flowers and foliage. Even those sweet potato seem so special in that arrangement.

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  7. It's absolutely stunning and deserves its place in your equally fabulous garden!

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  8. What awesome urns and gorgeous dahlias. Sorry they both didn't come up. Darn that Breck's!

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  9. Love the black dahlia!! And the combinations with it!!! Oh MY!!

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  10. Hi sue,
    Yes, I think they will. I am planning to send them an email after I see what has survived from last year. They do stand by their products.

    Cher, you are correct. There is a reddish under color. They have not turned as red as I expected them to…at least not yet. But I bought them for the black color, so I am not concerned about that.

    Hi Sandy,
    I am just loving all the unique-colored dahlias that I find. For the past two years I have ordered Rembrandt dahlias and they have some great colors, too. So far only the red/purle and white/purple Rembrandts ones have survived. If you want a nearly black, I have no problem suggesting Trebbiano. I love mine!

    Hi Rosemary,
    Isn’t it frustrating!? If you look at the tubers they send me, you can tell that one is not likely to survive. I wonder if they do that on purpose?

    Racquel,
    I love the dark colors, too. Thank you so much for your kind comment.

    Hi Andrea,
    Those sweet potato vines are different from the usual colors. They are called 'Bright Ideas Rusty Red' and I do love them in this container.

    Jody,
    As usual you are too kind….thank you for that sweet comment!

    Dianne,
    I am sure Breck’s will stand behind the non-producing tubers. I just have to get over my laziness and write to them.

    Hi Darla,
    Thank you! I appreciate your nice comments.

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  11. Every garage should be so lucky to be as adorned as yours! I've never grown dahlias, but you make me want to give it a go next year. =)

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  12. Hi Dorothy,
    I think you should try them. They are great fun!

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  13. Zoey, Awesome dahlia! I just love these 2 urns especially the one with the dahlia! Most of my palnters have dead plants in them this year. Guess I didn't water them enough. Jean

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