Alauna Clair Obscur

Alauna Clair-Obscur is pure chiaroscuro in flower form, all shadow and light. Her large, wildly textured blooms begin in deep burgundy-purple and violet, then fracture into crisp white, feathered tips. The narrow petals twist, quill, and split at the ends, creating a dramatic starburst that looks almost shredded around the edges.

Bred in France by Michel Robert, she was registered in 2001 and is considered one of the best-known French-bred dahlias internationally. The name clair-obscur refers to the artistic play between light and darkness, which could hardly suit her coloring better. 

🌱 2027 Grow-Out

Alauna Clair-Obscur will arrive at Hedge & Alchemy in Spring 2027 and will be grown here for the first time that season. She will not be offered in our 2027 tuber sale.

📋 Cultivar Notes

• Breeder / Hybridizer: Michel Robert
• Year: Registered 2001; introduced 2002
• Origin: France
• Parentage: ‘Los Angeles’ × unnamed seedling
• Form: Laciniated (LC), also historically described as fimbriata
• ADS Classification Number: 2515 (B / Medium / Laciniated / Bicolor)
• Bloom Size: Approximately 6 to 8 inches
• Color: Deep purple to burgundy-purple with violet transitions and sharply contrasting white tips
• Cut Flower Status: Excellent. The unusual texture and strong color contrast make her a spectacular focal flower, especially in artistic or moodier arrangements.
• Show & Exhibition Flower Status: Yes. Alauna Clair-Obscur has been successfully exhibited and fits the medium laciniated bicolor class. 

🌱 Growing Notes

• Bloom: Large, fully double flowers with narrow, slightly twisted petals. Each petal ends in split, fringed white tips, producing a feathery starburst effect over the dark purple base. 
• Plant Height & Habit: Approximately 3½ to 4 feet tall, with an upright habit.
• Growing Notes: The large, fringed blooms can catch wind, so early staking is worthwhile. Disbudding can help produce especially large, dramatic flowers for exhibition or statement cuts.
• Tuber Yield: To be tracked during our 2027 grow-out.