Dahlia 'Rip City' is a dramatic, upright tuberous perennial reaching about 1-1.5 m high. Strong green stems rise through dark green divided foliage and carry fully double semi-cactus flowerheads, typically 10-15 cm across. Long, narrow, pointed, slightly wavy florets deepen from burgundy-red to reddish-black around an almost black center.
Grow in full sun in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained clay, loam, or sand. Choose a sheltered site, pinch young shoots to encourage branching, stake early, water during dry periods, and deadhead often. The sturdy stems and dark flowers are excellent for borders and cutting.
In USDA zones 8-10, tubers may overwinter in reliably drained ground. In colder climates, lift them after frost, dry briefly, and store cool, dark, dry, and frost-free. Divide tubers or take spring softwood cuttings. Keep plant material away from pets because dahlias may be toxic if eaten.