Ghislaine Dahlia

Cornel has a new look, and apparently, good looks run in the family.

Meet Ghislaine, a beautiful Dutch ball dahlia with romantic antique salmon-pink blooms, warm coral and apricot undertones, and a pedigree that should get the attention of just about anyone who grows dahlias for cutting.

Originating at Geerlings Dahlia in the Netherlands, Ghislaine is a naturally occurring color sport of the legendary Cornel dahlia. That's particularly exciting because Cornel has earned an outstanding reputation among dahlia growers for its beautiful ball-shaped flowers and exceptional usefulness as a cut flower.

Ghislaine brings a softer, more romantic color palette to that famous family.

Its beautifully rounded blooms, typically measuring approximately 3–4 inches across, feature tightly arranged petals in shades of antique salmon, dusty coral, and warm apricot-pink. The coloring has a sophisticated, slightly vintage quality that makes it especially appealing for wedding flowers, garden bouquets, and floral arrangements.

But Ghislaine isn't relying on its family name alone.

Growers report strong cutting stems, prolific flowering, and quick rebloom, all desirable characteristics for a productive cutting garden. The original Dutch nursery also notes that Ghislaine retains the characteristics associated with the Cornel family.

Plants grow approximately 3.5–4 feet tall, making them a manageable addition to the garden while producing those wonderfully rounded flowers that ball dahlias are known for.

Ghislaine's antique salmon coloring pairs beautifully with cream, champagne, peach, burgundy, and muted rose varieties. Its warm, understated tones are particularly useful in arrangements where bright pinks or oranges might be a little too bold.

For gardeners who already love Cornel and Cornel Bronze, Ghislaine offers another beautiful member of the family. And for anyone who appreciates dahlias with outstanding cutting potential and sophisticated coloring, this Dutch introduction deserves serious consideration.

At a Glance

• Form: Ball (BA)

• Bloom Size: Approximately 3–4 inches

• Color: Antique salmon-pink with coral, apricot, and soft rose undertones

• Plant Height: Approximately 3.5–4 feet

• Stem Strength: Strong cutting stems, according to grower reports

• Vase Life: Reported to have good vase performance; exact duration not independently established

• Productivity: Prolific flowering with quick rebloom, according to growers

• Cut Flower Use: Excellent potential for bouquets, wedding flowers, and floral arrangements

• Also Known As: Cornel Antique, Cornel Salmon

• Product Format: Rooted dahlia cutting

Breeder Information

Originating Nursery: Geerlings Dahlia
Location: Heemstede, Netherlands
Country of Origin: Netherlands
Origin: Naturally occurring color sport of Cornel
Introduction Year: Not confirmed

Moose's Take

I've always appreciated the Cornel family of dahlias. There's something about those beautifully rounded blooms that makes them incredibly appealing, particularly when you're growing flowers for cutting.

So when I learned that Ghislaine was a naturally occurring sport of Cornel, it immediately caught my attention.

The antique salmon coloring is what really sets this one apart. It's softer and more understated than many pink or coral dahlias, with those lovely warm undertones that can make a flower especially useful in arrangements.

And if Ghislaine lives up to the reports of strong stems, prolific flowering, and quick rebloom, there's a lot to like here beyond its appearance.

I suppose every successful family eventually produces a relative who wants to do things a little differently. Cornel made its reputation wearing deep red. Ghislaine showed up in salmon pink and somehow managed to make the whole family look fashionable.

Ghislaine is a beautiful addition to the Cornel family and a particularly appealing choice for gardeners who appreciate classic ball dahlias, vintage coloring, and flowers with excellent cutting potential.