Carnation Dianthus 'Spinfield Strawberry Crush' (b)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

border carnation 'Spinfield Strawberry Crush'

ABOUT

The Dianthus 'Spinefield Strawberry Crush', commonly known as pinks, presents a captivating display with its abundant, vividly colored flowers. The petals have a unique appearance, featuring a rich pink hue that resembles the color of ripe strawberries crushed together, hence its name. The edges of the petals are typically delicately fringed, adding a soft, ruffled look to the blossoms, while the flowers exude a sweet and spicy fragrance that is characteristic of many pinks. These flowers are held aloft on sturdy stems that rise above the plant's base of slender, bluish-green leaves that have a grass-like appearance. The foliage forms a dense and tidy clump, providing an attractive base for the showy blooms that dance above it. Overall, Dianthus 'Spinefield Strawberry Crush' offers a delightful sensory experience, with its strikingly colorful and fragrant flowers set against a backdrop of contrasting greenery.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Caryophyllaceae
- Synonyms
  Sweet William, Pinks, Carnation, Dianthus
- Common names
  Dianthus 'Spinfield Strawberry Crush'
Toxicity
- To humans
  Dianthus, commonly known as "carnations" or "pinks," are not known to be toxic to humans. There is no widespread documentation of carnations causing serious harm if ingested by humans. However, as with any non-edible plant, individual allergies or sensitivities might provoke mild symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea if ingested in significant amounts. It's always wise to discourage children from eating ornamental plants and to seek medical advice if large quantities are consumed.
- To pets
  Carnations are considered mildly toxic to pets. If ingested by cats, dogs, or other pets, carnations can cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Symptoms of poisoning might include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or a decrease in appetite. While these symptoms are often not severe, if a pet consumes a large amount of the plant or shows signs of distress, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Blue-green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  0 feet 12 inches [30 cm]
- Spread
  0 feet 14 inches [35 cm]
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  7
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attractive blooms: Dianthus 'Spinfield Strawberry Crush' features striking flowers with a unique and vibrant color combination, which can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Long flowering period: This variety typically has a lengthy blooming period that extends the display of its beautiful flowers throughout the growing season.
- Low maintenance: Dianthus are known for being low-maintenance plants that don't require a lot of care or upkeep, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, Dianthus varieties are often drought-resistant, making them a good choice for gardens in drier climates or for gardeners aiming to conserve water.
- Pest and disease resistance: They are generally hardy plants resistant to many common pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Compact growth habit: The compact and controlled growth of Dianthus 'Spinfield Strawberry Crush' makes it an ideal choice for small gardens, containers, and borders without worrying about it overtaking the space.
- Cold hardiness: Dianthus plants tend to be cold hardy, which allows them to thrive in cooler climates and survive through winters with appropriate care.
- Fragrance: The flowers of Dianthus 'Spinfield Strawberry Crush' often have a pleasant scent that can add an extra sensory dimension to gardens and outdoor areas.
- Pollinator-friendly: These plants can attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollinating gardens and supporting overall ecosystem health.
- Versatility: They can be utilized in various garden designs, from rockeries and borders to containers and bedding displays.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Edible Garnish: The petals of Dianthus can be used to add a splash of color to salads and desserts.
- Floral Baths: Petals added to bathwater can create a luxurious and aromatic experience.
- Art Supplies: Crushed petals can be used to naturally dye fabrics or even in the making of inks and paints.
- Bookmark Decoration: Dried petals can be placed between laminated sheets to create unique bookmarks.
- Homemade Potpourri: Dianthus petals can be dried and mixed with other ingredients to create fragrant potpourri.
- Candle Making: The petals can be incorporated into homemade candles for decoration and a subtle fragrance.
- Plant dying: Dianthus flowers can be used for dying wool, silk, or other natural fibers.
- Scented Stationery: Pressed Dianthus flowers can be used to embellish or scent paper for a personal touch on letters or invitations.
- Aromatherapy Pouches: Dry petals can be placed in small pouches to create natural aromatherapy sachets that can be placed in drawers or closets.
- Culinary Syrups: The petals can be steeped in syrups to infuse them with color and a subtle floral taste, making them ideal for flavoring cocktails or desserts.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The carnation is not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The carnation is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Love and Affection: The Dianthus is often associated with love and affection due to its beautiful and vibrant flowers, which can convey deep feelings.
- Boldness: With its striking appearance, the Dianthus can symbolize boldness or daring, representing a challenge to step forward with confidence.
- Purity: The flower is also linked to purity and innocence, especially since many varieties, including the 'Spinfield Strawberry Crush,' often exhibit pure and vibrant colors.
- Divine Favor: Throughout history, Dianthus flowers have been associated with the gods, and their name translates to "flower of the gods," suggesting divine favor or approval.
- Protective Talisman: In some cultures, Dianthus is believed to provide protection and ward off evil, with the flower acting as a talisman.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

10000 - 20000 Lux

Light

💦️

40%

Humidity

🪴

Every 1-2 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Dianthus, also known as Pinks or Sweet William, should be watered thoroughly to moisten the soil down to the root zone, without waterlogging the soil. Generally, watering once a week with about one inch of water is adequate, but this can vary depending on the weather conditions. In hotter, dry periods, more frequent watering may be necessary. It's best to check the top couple inches of soil for dryness before watering again. Overwatering should be avoided as Pinks do not like to sit in wet soil, which can lead to root rot.
Light
Dianthus 'Spinfield Strawberry Crush' thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for these Pinks would be a location where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. They can tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter regions, but too much shade can result in less vigorous plants and fewer blooms.
Temperature
Pinks prefer cooler climates and perform best in temperatures between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive temperatures down to about 40 degrees and up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but these are near the limits of their comfort zone. Ideally, they should be kept where the temperature is moderate to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
Pruning
Pinks benefit from pruning to promote bushier growth and more blooms. Prune back the flowering stems once the initial burst of blooms has faded, usually in late spring or early summer. A second lighter pruning in late summer can help rejuvenate the plant and may lead to a flush of fall blooms. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, should be done regularly.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
For Dianthus, commonly known as pinks, a well-draining soil mix is best, composed of loam, sand, and some organic matter to provide nutrients. A slightly alkaline pH of 7.0 to 8.0 is ideal for Dianthus 'Spinfield Strawberry Crush'.
Repotting
Pinks like Dianthus 'Spinfield Strawberry Crush' should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth, ideally in the spring.
Humidity & Misting
Dianthus 'Spinfield Strawberry Crush' prefers moderate humidity levels, avoiding extremes; an average room humidity of 40-60% is suitable.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
- Outdoor
  Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Hardiness zone
  4-9 USDA
Life cycle
The Dianthus 'Starburst Strawberry Crush', typically known as "Pinks," begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in late winter to early spring, either directly into the ground where they are to grow or indoors for transplanting later. After germination, seedlings develop into rosettes of blue-green foliage, from which stems will eventually rise. By late spring to early summer, stems elongate and carry buds that unfurl into the characteristic vibrant pink flowers with a patterned eye, attracting bees and butterflies. These flowers will bloom for several weeks, and deadheading spent blooms encourages further flowering. In fall, growth slows and the plant prepares for dormancy, though in milder climates, some foliage may remain evergreen. To complete the cycle, the plant can be divided and replanted or allowed to self-seed, giving rise to new plants the following season.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Dianthus 'Spinfield Strawberry Crush', commonly known as Pinks or Sweet William, is often propagated by cuttings, which is the most popular and reliable method for home gardeners and professionals alike. This is typically done in late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. Healthy non-flowering shoots are selected and a cutting of about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters) is taken just below a node. The lower leaves are removed and the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist and in indirect light. Roots generally develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before planting out.