The majority of plants are perennial, however others are biennial or annual. Pink perennials are evergreen or semi-evergreen perennials. The common name comes from the frilly edges of the petals, which resemble pinking shears when cut. Sweet William is a perennial that is usually grown as a biennial or annual. Florists love carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) because of their long stems and long bloom time.
Color and characteristics:
Flowers with frilly petals are solitary, semi-double, or double. They’re available in almost every color except blue, as well as patterned bicolors. The foliage is strappy and grass-like, with green, blue-green, or silver-green hues.
Toxicity:
Some people may have slight skin irritation from Dianthus foliage, which normally lasts only a few minutes. If swallowed, the plants might be somewhat hazardous to pets.
Will dianthus grow in semi shade?
I should have clarified the distinction between a carnation, which is an unscented, neglected flower of forecourts that is top heavy and not excellent for the garden (and a dianthus species), and a pink, which is a beautiful, compact, scented version that is easy to grow. (The term originates from the frilly edges, which are similar to pinking shears.)
Pinks will flower nonstop from July to September if you get the basics right, and they don’t mind a dry summer, which makes them ideal for containers. On windy balconies and window ledges, the Alpine type will burrow down. Pinks require a lot of sunshine to thrive: they won’t grow in the dark and won’t accept moist roots. If you’re gardening on clay, start with a lot of grit, then add some more, and then some more on top of that.
Deadhead them on a regular basis to keep them blossoming. Remove the entire blooming stem, allowing the plant to bush out from the base. This will keep everything tidy. Water as needed and feed every two weeks with comfrey or phosphate-rich organic tomato feed to stimulate flowering if the weather is dry or the plants are pot-grown. They’ll need to be clipped into a compact mound by the end of September to keep them clean over the winter.
Dianthus plumarius, a delightfully scented flower with fringed petals that range from pink to virtually white, is the ancestor of all pinks. It can reach a height of 20cm and a width of 60cm. The scent of Dianthus superbus is stronger and spicier, and the blossoms are wispy pink. Dianthus superbus var. longicalycinus ‘Alba’ is the epitome of perfection: spidery white, sweetly scented blooms on mounds of slender foliage that thrive in sun or part shade as long as drainage is adequate. Dianthus alpinus is a 10cm tall mat-forming Alpine that is ideal for windswept window boxes.
There are thousands of cultivars, but my favorites are ‘Pheasant Eye’ from 1690, which has a deep-red center, fringed white petals, and red tips; ‘Gran’s Favourite,’ a semi-white double with incredible scent; and ‘Dad’s Favourite,’ which has white petals, each edged in a broad, red line good for cutting for the vase.
What conditions do dianthus like?
They thrive in soil that is neutral or slightly alkaline. Choose a location that isn’t too crowded or where they won’t compete with other plants. It’s best to plant in an open area with well-drained soil.
Will dianthus survive winter?
Annual dianthus tolerates minor frost well, but strong freezes can be damaging. Dianthus can be grown as a winter annual in milder climates.
Will dianthus come back every year?
These plants are perennials with a short life span, although they are commonly planted as annuals in Missouri and other colder climates. Annuals have a single growing season. Many Dianthus types, on the other hand, self-seed every year. That is to say, they re-grow each spring.
How do you make dianthus bushy?
Cut the plant’s height in half using clean shears to encourage bushier growth and more bloom buds. Trim or pinch back overgrown and lanky stems at any time during the summer growth season to keep the plant in shape. Make the cuts near a leaf bud on the stem to induce branching.
Where should I plant dianthus?
Pinks can be grown in full sun, medium shade, or any location with at least 6 hours of sunlight. The plants require alkaline soil that is rich and well-drained. When planting dianthus, wait until the threat of frost has gone and plant them at the same level as they were in the pots, with 12 to 18 inches between them (30-46 cm.)
Can dianthus be divided?
Dianthus plants that have reached maturity can be easily divided. Early spring is the optimum time to do this because the plant will be actively developing but not producing blossoms. If you wait until after the plants have blossomed for the first time, you can deadhead them so that the energy isn’t squandered on flower production and can be used to create new root systems following transplanting. Plants should not be divided late in the growth season because they will not have enough time to create new roots before going dormant for the winter. The optimum time to divide the plants is in the morning, when the roots are more hydrated and less prone to injury.
A day or two before chopping the plant up, give it plenty of water. So the plant doesn’t stay out of the earth for too long, prepare the new spot ahead of time. Allow for at least 12 square inches of growing space for the new plant. To avoid the transmission of bacteria, use clean tools. Dianthus has a robust root structure that can withstand a lot of abuse. Dig at least 6 inches beneath the plant and try to get as much of the root ball as you can. Cut the plant into new plants of equal size, and place the newly generated root balls in the holes that have already been prepared. For the first month, water the young plants at least once a week to aid in their establishment.
Every 3 to 5 years, dianthus should be divided. This will keep the plants healthy and allow them to blossom lavishly year after year.