This bulb dies back after flowering each year and enters a period of rest ahead of regrowth the following season.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to October
• Hardiness: half hardy (may need winter protection)
  
  A sumptuous burgundy-black, anemone-type dahlia with a ruffle of dark chocolate petals at its centre. Flowering long into autumn, ‘Soulman’ has blooms that are held on dark stems above mounds of lush green foliage. Cut them for the vase to encourage more to form and consider growing them alongside bright pinks or oranges for added drama and contrast.
  
  
• Garden care: Plant out or pot up after all risk of frost has passed and feed regularly throughout the growing season. To prolong flowering, keep cutting the flowers for fresh arrangements, or remove spent blooms as soon as they fade. Once the first frosts of autumn have blackened the foliage, either move potted plants to an unheated greenhouse, or carefully lift and clean the tubers, allowing them to dry naturally indoors. Then, place the dry tubers in a shallow tray, just covered with slightly moist potting compost, sand or vermiculite. Store in a frost-free place, checking them frequently over the winter months. They can then be potted up and planted out again when the temperatures rise.