Dahlia Colombus
Dahlia Colombus
Dahlia Colombus
Dahlia
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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty
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We guarantee the quality of our plants for a full growing cycle, and will replace at our expense any plant that fails to recover under normal climatic and planting conditions.
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Description
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.
Plant habit
Flowering
Foliage
Botanical data
Dahlia
Colombus
Asteraceae
Dahlia
Cultivar or hybrid
Planting and care
Dahlia 'Colombus' is easy to grow in all regions. For abundant flowering, it is good to follow a few simple rules: plant the tubers in a sunny location as soon as the last frost has passed, rich, fresh, and well-drained soil is perfect. However, stagnant humidity would promote tuber rot. Feel free to amend the soil with compost and sand if necessary. Work the soil deeply and enrich it, for example, with crushed horn or dehydrated blood. Place your tuber and crumble the soil well to fill without air pockets. Your dahlia should be covered with about 6cm (2in) of soil. At the end of planting, water once abundantly and then repeat this watering regularly during the first 6 weeks to help with rooting.
Dahlias are sensitive to cold, so they need to be overwintered. In November, the first frost turns the foliage black, and that's the time to lift them. Carefully dig up the tubers, removing as much soil as possible. Let the foliage dry so that the tubers can replenish their reserves. Then cut the stems to 10cm (4in). Spread your bulbs in a box on newspaper. Store them in a frost-free, dry, cool, and dark place, such as a frost-free garage or attic, for example. In southern regions, close to the coast, where there are only a few days of frost per year, it is possible to leave them in place. In this case, simply cover the soil with a layer of leaves or straw for protection.
This large Dahlia, with its hollow stems and heavy flowers, sometimes struggles with wind or heavy rain. To overcome this inconvenience, you can stake it, but let's agree, it's not very aesthetic. On the other hand, by pinching the stems early or removing the axial flower buds, you will spread out the plant's habit, which will offer more resistance to bad weather. At the same time, you are directing the flow of sap to a single flower, which will become larger and stronger.
Planting period
Intended location
Care
Planting & care advice
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Hardiness is the lowest winter temperature a plant can endure without suffering serious damage or even dying. However, hardiness is affected by location (a sheltered area, such as a patio), protection (winter cover) and soil type (hardiness is improved by well-drained soil).
The flowering period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions located in USDA zone 8 (France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, etc.)
It will vary according to where you live:- In zones 9 to 10 (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), flowering will occur about 2 to 4 weeks earlier.
- In zones 6 to 7 (Germany, Poland, Slovenia, and lower mountainous regions), flowering will be delayed by 2 to 3 weeks.
- In zone 5 (Central Europe, Scandinavia), blooming will be delayed by 3 to 5 weeks.
In temperate climates, pruning of spring-flowering shrubs (forsythia, spireas, etc.) should be done just after flowering.
Pruning of summer-flowering shrubs (Indian Lilac, Perovskia, etc.) can be done in winter or spring.
In cold regions as well as with frost-sensitive plants, avoid pruning too early when severe frosts may still occur.
The planting period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions located in USDA zone 8 (France, United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands).
It will vary according to where you live:
- In Mediterranean zones (Marseille, Madrid, Milan, etc.), autumn and winter are the best planting periods.
- In continental zones (Strasbourg, Munich, Vienna, etc.), delay planting by 2 to 3 weeks in spring and bring it forward by 2 to 4 weeks in autumn.
- In mountainous regions (the Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians, etc.), it is best to plant in late spring (May-June) or late summer (August-September).
The harvesting period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions in USDA zone 8 (France, England, Ireland, the Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...) fruit and vegetable harvests are likely to be delayed by 3-4 weeks.
In warmer areas (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), harvesting will probably take place earlier, depending on weather conditions.
The sowing periods indicated on our website apply to countries and regions within USDA Zone 8 (France, UK, Ireland, Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...), delay any outdoor sowing by 3-4 weeks, or sow under glass.
In warmer climes (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), bring outdoor sowing forward by a few weeks.