Carnation Dianthus 'Howard Hitchcock' (b)
ABOUT
The plant known as Dianthus 'Howard Hitchcock' is a vibrant and attractive perennial that adds splashes of color to the garden. It is characterized by its striking flowers and pleasant green foliage. The flowers are notable for their velvety texture and are comprised of petals that often exhibit a frilled or serrated edge, adding to their visual appeal. These blossoms can range from deep pink to a rich magenta, with each variety having its own unique shade. They possess a delightful fragrance, which can be quite pronounced and adds to the sensory experience of the plant. The leaves of Dianthus 'Howard Hitchcock' are typically slender, with a blue-green or gray-green color that contrasts beautifully with the vivid flowers. This foliage forms dense, low mounds or clumps from which the flower stems arise. The overall appearance of the plant is neat and compact, presenting a tidy and lush appearance in the landscape. Its striking flowers and lovely scent make Dianthus 'Howard Hitchcock' a popular choice for gardeners looking to add long-lasting color and texture to their beds and borders.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Caryophyllaceae
Synonyms
Sweet William, Carnation, Pinks
Common names
Dianthus 'Howard Hitchcock'
ToxicityTo humans
The Dianthus 'Howard Hitchcock', commonly known as Carnation, is not known to be toxic to humans. In general, carnations are considered non-toxic, and accidental ingestion typically does not result in symptoms of poisoning. However, sensitivity to plants can vary among individuals, and it's possible for someone to have a mild allergic reaction or gastrointestinal discomfort if parts of the plant are ingested.
To pets
The Carnation, scientifically named Dianthus 'Howard Hitchcock', is considered to be mildly toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. If a pet ingests a significant amount of the plant, it may exhibit mild symptoms of gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It's always prudent to keep an eye on your pet if it has ingested any part of a carnation and to consult with a veterinarian if you observe any troubling symptoms.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 feet 10 inches (55.88 cm)
Spread
1 feet 6 inches (45.72 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Dianthus 'Howard Hitchcock' produces vibrant, colorful blooms that can enhance the visual appeal of any garden or landscape.
- Fragrance: This plant is known for its pleasant, spicy fragrance that can add a sensory dimension to outdoor spaces.
- Ease of care: Dianthus is generally easy to grow and maintain, making it a suitable choice for gardeners of all experience levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good resistance to short periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting biodiversity in the garden.
- Long Blooming Season: Dianthus 'Howard Hitchcock' has a lengthy flowering period, providing color from late spring into early fall.
- Ground Cover: Its growth habit can help control erosion and suppress weeds in the garden.
- Border Plant: Its size and form make it ideal for use as an edge or border in landscape design.
- Versatility: Suitable for planting in containers, rock gardens, borders, and as cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
- Temperature Hardy: Generally resilient in a range of climates and can handle cold temperatures once it is established.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Carnation flower extract can be used as a natural dye for fabrics or art projects, offering a range of pink hues depending on the concentration and treatment.
- The plant can be grown as a form of natural pest control since it repels some types of insects.
- Dried carnation petals can be incorporated into homemade potpourri mixes to add fragrance to a room.
- Carnation petals can be used in bath bombs or salts, providing a gentle fragrance and skin-soothing properties.
- Pressed carnation flowers can be used in craft projects, such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or in scrapbooking.
- The strong stems of carnations make them excellent for use in floral art or ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement.
- Carnations can be used as edible decorations on cakes or desserts, adding a touch of elegance to culinary presentations.
- The plant can provide habitat and nectar sources for beneficial garden insects, such as bees and butterflies.
- Carnation petals can be used to make natural confetti for weddings or other celebrations, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic confetti.
- The bright and colorful flowers can be a source of inspiration for artists and designers, influencing patterns, textiles, or color schemes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCarnation is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCarnation is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: Dianthus, commonly known as Carnation, typically symbolizes love and affection, with different colors expressing varying degrees of affection and love.
- Distinction: Carnations often represent pride and beauty, indicating the unique and striking appearance that sets them apart from other flowers.
- Fascination: In the language of flowers, carnations can be associated with fascination or strong interest, suggesting an irresistible attraction.
- Devotion: The long-lasting quality of carnations makes them symbolize deep love and devotion between people.
WaterCarnations require regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Generally, watering them with about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering, is sufficient. During periods of high heat or drought, water the carnations once or twice a week with enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of at least 1 inch. It's best to water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Avoid overhead watering to minimize wetting the foliage, and instead water at the base of the plant.
LightCarnations thrive in full sun, which means they need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. For the best growth and flower production, place them in a spot where they receive ample morning light with some protection from the intense afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureCarnations prefer a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can generally handle temperatures down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit but will start to suffer if the temperature goes beyond these extremes. The ideal growing conditions for carnations include daytime temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and slightly cooler nights.
PruningPrune carnations to encourage bushiness and to remove spent flowers, which will promote further blooming. The best time to prune is in early spring or after the first flush of flowers has faded. Deadheading regularly, or removing spent flowers, will keep your carnations looking tidy and can stimulate a second bloom in some varieties.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCarnations thrive in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.7 to 6.9. A mix of one-third coarse sand, one-third garden soil, and one-third peat moss is ideal for Dianthus 'Howard Hitchcock'.
RepottingCarnations require repotting every 1-2 years to prevent crowding and refresh the soil. Best to repot in the spring before the onset of vigorous growth.
Humidity & MistingCarnations prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable. Maintain the humidity around 40-50% for optimal growth of Dianthus 'Howard Hitchcock'.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and cool temps for indoor carnations.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and space 12 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleDianthus 'Howard Hitchcock', commonly known as Carnation or Pinks, begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically in spring when soil temperatures rise and daylight increases. Following germination, seedlings establish themselves, developing a root system and foliage through the vegetative stage. Once mature, the plant enters the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, producing its distinctive fragrant flowers that can be a range of colors including pink, red, or white. Fertilized flowers then set seed, which can be collected if seed propagation is desired. The plant may undergo a period of dormancy in winter, especially in cooler climates, with a reduction in growth and metabolic activity. Finally, as a perennial, Carnation will reemerge from dormancy in the following spring, completing its cycle and beginning anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Dianthus 'Howard Hitchcock', commonly known as Carnation, has a preferred propagation time that typically occurs in late spring to early summer when the temperatures are mild and there's a lower risk of frost damage to the young plants. The most popular method of propagating Carnations is through cuttings. To do this, select a healthy stem that is about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and snip it just below a node using a sharp and clean pair of scissors or secateurs. Remove the lower leaves to expose a section of the stem, and then dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Afterward, plant the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, water it gently, and then place it in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight. The cutting should root within a few weeks, after which it can be transplanted to its final location.
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