Pinks Dianthus 'Christine Dickinson' (pf)

👤 Non-toxic to humans
🐾 Non-toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Easy-care
carnation 'Christine Dickinson'

ABOUT

Dianthus 'Christine Dickinson' (pf) is a striking plant that features a lush mound of foliage, characterized by slender, grass-like leaves that emanate a blue-green hue. The foliage forms a tight and neat cushion, serving as the perfect backdrop for the plant's standout feature: its flowers. These blossoms are notable for their distinctive frilled edges and the rich, vibrant shades they display. Each flower possesses a unique pattern of color, often showcasing a mix of pink, crimson, and sometimes white hues, which blend artistically across the petals. The blooms have a rich, clove-like fragrance that is both sweet and spicy, making the plant not only visually appealing but also a delight for the senses. The flowers are typically arranged in clusters atop slender, sturdy stems that rise elegantly above the foliage, creating an eye-catching contrast between the vivid flowers and the muted tones of the leaves. These blossoms are favored by gardeners for their long-lasting quality and their tendency to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which adds to the charm and ecological value of this plant in a garden setting.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Caryophyllaceae

    • Synonyms

      Pink, Carnation, Sweet William

    • Common names

      Dianthus 'Christine Dickinson' (pf).

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      Dianthus 'Christine Dickinson'—commonly known as Pinks—is generally considered non-toxic to humans. While not poisonous, if ingested in large quantities, it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, as is common with the ingestion of many non-edible plants. It is always recommended to avoid eating any plant parts unless they are known to be safe for consumption.

    • To pets

      Pinks are also considered to be non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. They are not known to contain any substances that are harmful to pets. However, as with humans, ingestion of plant material can sometimes lead to mild digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea, particularly if ingested in large amounts. It is always a good practice to prevent pets from consuming non-food plants.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Evergreen

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Flower color

      Pink

    • Height

      1 foot (30 cm)

    • Spread

      1 foot (30 cm)

    • Plant type

      Herb

    • Hardiness zones

      5

    • Native area

      Europe

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant pink to purple coloration and unique patterning to gardens.
    • Attracts Pollinators: Welcomes butterflies and bees, which are essential for pollination.
    • Fragrance: Emits a pleasant spicy clove-like scent, enhancing the sensory experience of the garden.
    • Long Blooming Period: Offers extended blooming time from late spring to early fall, maintaining garden interest.
    • Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good resistance to short periods of drought.
    • Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once settled in the right conditions, suitable for gardeners of all levels.
    • Versatility: Suitable for use in borders, containers, and as a cut flower in bouquets.
    • Cold Hardy: Can survive and thrive in cooler temperatures, making it suitable for many climates.
    • Rapid Growth: Grows quickly and can reach maturity in a single growing season.
    • Deer Resistance: Generally resistant to deer, reducing the likelihood of damage from wildlife.
    • Compact Growth: Its size and form make it suitable for small gardens and spaces where larger plants would overwhelm.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • Dianthus 'Christine Dickinson' can be used as a source of natural dye; the petals can create subtle pink hues when used in fabric dyeing.
    • The strong, durable petals of the carnation can be incorporated into homemade paper, adding texture and color to the finished product.
    • Carnations can serve as a natural pest repellent; their clove-like scent is often disliked by pests, providing protection for nearby plants.
    • In the art of pressed flowers, carnations are perfect for creating intricate designs due to their flat blooming pattern and variegated colors.
    • Carnations can be used in potpourri mixes, adding a pleasant fragrance and a splash of color to the mix of dried flowers and spices.
    • The sturdy stems of carnations make them suitable for use in structural floral art, such as creating flower crowns or wreaths.
    • When dried, carnation petals can be used in scented sachets, which when tucked into drawers, impart their fragrance to linens and clothing.
    • As edible flowers, carnations can be crystallized with sugar and used as elegant decorations for cakes and desserts.
    • The petals of carnations can be used for sensory play in children’s activities, where they can touch, smell, and explore the textures.
    • Carnation blooms can be floated in bowls of water to create simple yet elegant table centerpieces for events and gatherings.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The plant Dianthus is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The plant Dianthus is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Love and Admiration: The Dianthus, commonly known as "carnations," often symbolizes love and admiration. The 'Christine Dickinson' variant would share this representation, making it a popular choice for romantic gestures or to show affection.
    • Distinction and Fascination: Carnations are also associated with distinction and fascination, reflecting the unique patterning and colors that can be found in varieties like 'Christine Dickinson'.
    • Pure Love and Good Luck: White carnations, in particular, convey pure love and good luck, and while 'Christine Dickinson' may not be pure white, it can still be indicative of these sentiments.
    • Devotion: These flowers are often used to convey a message of devotion and loyalty due to their long-lasting nature. The 'Christine Dickinson' carnation represents a similar enduring commitment.
    • Healing: In some cultural contexts, carnations are a sign of healing and rejuvenation, which can be extended to the 'Christine Dickinson' variant as a symbol of health and recovery.

💧
Every 1-2 weeks
Water
☀️
10000 - 20000 Lux
Light
💦️
50%
Humidity
🪴
Every 1-2 years
Repotting
🌱️
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning

  • water dropWater

    Pinks, the common name for Dianthus 'Christine Dickinson,' prefer to be watered once the soil surface feels dry to the touch. Typically, this would mean watering deeply once or twice a week, providing about one inch of water which equates to about 0.6 gallons per square foot each time. Overhead watering should be avoided to prevent foliage diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. During hotter, drier periods, the frequency may increase, and it's important to ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent water-logging. Always adjust watering based on rainfall, temperature, and soil conditions.

  • sunLight

    Pinks thrive best in full sun, where they can receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. They need a spot that offers bright light to encourage compact growth and prolific flowering. Some light afternoon shade can be beneficial in extremely hot climates, but generally, more sun results in healthier plants with more blossoms.

  • thermometerTemperature

    Pinks are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but they grow best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 70°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F, and maximum temperatures around 85°F. Pinks prefer cooler conditions and will start to suffer if exposed to extended periods of heat above 85°F.

  • scissorsPruning

    Pinks should be pruned to remove spent blossoms and to promote bushier growth and more flowers, typically after the first bloom peak in late spring or early summer. Deadheading encourages a second bloom in fall. Pruning is also recommended to remove dead or damaged stems and to shape the plant for aesthetic purposes. Best done immediately after flowering, light pruning can continue throughout the growing season.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    For Dianthus, commonly known as 'Christine Dickinson', the best soil mix is well-draining with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH of 6.5 to 7.5. A mix of loam, compost, and sharp sand or perlite encourages healthy root growth and good drainage, which is crucial for these plants. Regular fertilization with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer will support robust growth.

  • plantRepotting

    Dianthus 'Christine Dickinson' doesn't require frequent repotting as it prefers to be slightly root-bound. Typically, repotting every 2-3 years, or when growth appears to be stunted and the roots have filled the pot, is sufficient to maintain plant health.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Dianthus 'Christine Dickinson' prefers normal to low humidity levels and is quite tolerant of drier air conditions typical of most indoor environments.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Grow in bright light with good air circulation.

    • Outdoor

      Place in full sun with well-draining soil.

    • Hardiness zone

      3-9 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    Dianthus 'Christine Dickinson', commonly known as Pinks, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in well-draining soil and with adequate warmth, germinates to produce small seedlings. These seedlings grow into mature plants with narrow, green to blue-green leaves and sturdy stems. The mature Pinks reach the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, presenting vibrant pink, frilly-edged flowers with a spicy, clove-like fragrance. After pollination, which is often aided by insects, the flowers develop into seed capsules containing numerous tiny seeds. The plant may then enter a period of dormancy, particularly in regions with cold winters. To complete the life cycle, Dianthus 'Christine Dickinson' can be propagated either by seeds or vegetatively through cuttings taking during the active growth period, leading to the establishment of new plants that will go through the same stages.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Spring-Early Summer

    • The Dianthus 'Christine Dickinson', commonly known as pinks or garden pinks, can be propagated through several methods, but the most popular way is by taking cuttings. This method typically takes place in late spring or early summer. You begin by selecting healthy, non-flowering stems and making a cut just below a node, creating a cutting about 4 inches (10 centimeters) long. Strip the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be placed in well-draining soil, ensuring that a few leaf nodes are buried as these will form the roots. It's crucial to keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated and to provide indirect sunlight until the cuttings have rooted, which usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Once rooted, the plants can be transplanted to their final growing location.

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