Dahlia Colombus

The 'Columbus' Dahlia adds a unique colour to the range of ball dahlias, with two contrasting shades of lilac. This variety has ball-shaped flowers that are precisely and beautifully structured with countless alveoli, giving them a beautiful texture. The plant blooms abundantly from summer to frost and has a bushy and upright habit, supported by long stems, making it perfect for bouquets as well as mass plantings.

Dahlias belong to the Asteraceae family and are originally from the high plateaus of Mexico. They produce inflorescences in heads, which we commonly call 'flowers'. Nowadays, the thousands of horticultural varieties created by humans have invaded gardens around the world, much to our delight.
The 'Columbus' variety, a very recent introduction, will measure between 90cm (35in) and 1.10m (4ft) in height and 60cm (24in) in diameter after 3 to 4 months of cultivation. It is classified as a decorative dahlia of the ball flower type. In this category, the heads have no visible centre and are composed of numerous regularly arranged and completely rolled petals (ligules). They are tubular and never open. This group includes varieties that form true balls, such as pompoms (with a diameter of less than 6cm (2in)) and balls (with a diameter of more than 6cm (2in)). The heads of this 'Columbus' variety generally measure 9cm (4in) in diameter. When the head opens, its colour is a dark purple violet. As it matures, this colour lightens to mauve. The plant has an erect habit, and its stems sometimes require staking. The flowering of this variety starts in July and ends in October-November, if faded flowers are removed or frequently used in bouquets. The habit is bushy and upright. The very branched, long, and sturdy stems are hollow, and the leaves are opposite, pinnately lobed, meaning they are divided into 3 or 5 very toothed lobes. The leaves and stems are a medium green.

To promote new flower growth, make sure to remove faded flowers or, even better, regularly make large colourful bouquets by combining it with other varieties. 'Columbus' produces charming flowers in bouquets, paired with single or pompon varieties in white, pink, or purple. In flower beds, it pairs well with 'Primley Blue' mallow, perennial geraniums 'Blue Cloud' or 'Rozanne', or 'Rubrum' Pennisetum, which all flower at the same time. Asters and bushy salvias, with their light flowers, are also perfect companions for Dahlias. Its long and heavily blooming stems allow for beautiful bouquets late in the season.

As star plants in borders and cottage gardens, Dahlias confidently accompany the most beautiful flowers but are also appreciated alongside vegetable plants. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was first cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. However, its poor taste qualities relegated it to the status of an ornamental plant. Since then, the interest in their beautiful exuberance has never waned.