Pinks Dianthus 'Spinfield Party Dress' (b)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Dianthus 'Spinfield Party Dress' is often commonly referred to as "Pinks" due to the fringed flower edges that resemble the textile patterns created by pinking shears. This particular plant boasts a striking appearance with vividly colored flowers. The blooms are a showy mix of pink hues that may range from soft pastels to more intense, deeper shades, often displaying striking patterns or markings that are reminiscent of a finely designed party dress. What makes it especially appealing is the rich, clove-like fragrance which the flowers emit, a signature trait of Pinks. The leaves of the Dianthus 'Spinfield Party Dress' are typically slender and elongated, presenting an eye-catching contrast with their blue-green or gray-green color. These narrow leaves form a dense, tufted foliage that stays compact and mounding, serving as an attractive foil for the spectacular blossoms that rise above. The plant's growth habit is such that it forms neat clumps, often used in gardens to create borders or as part of ornamental displays. It is cherished not just for its aesthetic qualities but also for its long flowering season, which provides bursts of color and scent over a considerable period. The vivid blooms are perched upon slender, sturdy stems that give the plant a poised and elegant look. Overall, Dianthus 'Spinfield Party Dress' is a garden variety that adds a touch of class and joy to any planting arrangement with its lively blooms and refreshing fragrance.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Pink, Carnation, Sweet William.
- Common names
  Dianthus 'Spinfield Party Dress'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Carnations, the common name for Dianthus 'Spinfield Party Dress', are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, like many plants, if ingested in large quantities they could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea and vomiting. Nevertheless, they are generally regarded as safe to have in households and are not known for containing any major toxins that would lead to severe poisoning symptoms in humans.
- To pets
  Carnations are also the common name for Dianthus 'Spinfield Party Dress' when referring to pets. They are considered to be mildly toxic to cats and dogs. If a pet ingests part of a carnation, they may exhibit signs of gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. While they are not highly toxic, it is advisable to prevent pets from eating this plant to avoid any potential discomfort or adverse reactions.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Blue-green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  0 feet 9-12 inches (23-30 cm)
- Spread
  0 feet 9-12 inches (23-30 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  7
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: The Dianthus 'Spinfield Party Dress' adds vibrant color and texture to gardens with its bright flowers and attractive foliage.
- Long Blooming Season: This variety often enjoys a prolonged blooming period, providing extended visual interest in the landscape.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Easy Maintenance: Known for being low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once they are settled in the right growing conditions.
- Compact Size: The plant’s compact growth habit makes it suitable for small gardens, borders, containers, or as an edging plant.
- Cold Resistant: It has a degree of cold resistance, which allows it to thrive in cooler temperatures and survive light frosts.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms are suitable for cutting and can be used in floral arrangements, extending their beauty indoors.
- Variety of Uses: Works well in rock gardens, container gardens, borders, and as ground cover, offering versatility in landscaping options.
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 Decorations: The petals of the Dianthus 'Spinfield Party Dress', commonly known as Pinks, can be used to add a splash of color to salads and desserts.
- Floral Ice Cubes: Freeze Pinks petals in ice cubes to create an aesthetic addition to summer drinks and cocktails.
- Scented Sachets: The fragrant petals of Pinks can be dried and used in sachets to freshen up drawers and closets.
- Plant Dye: The petals can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, offering shades of pinks and reds depending on the mordant used.
- Bookmarks: Pressed Pinks flowers can be laminated or placed inside a book as a beautiful and fragrant page marker.
- Crafting Potpourri: Combine dried Pinks petals with other dried flowers and spices to create a homemade potpourri mix.
- Bath Salts: Infuse Epsom or sea salts with dried Pinks petals for a fragrant, relaxing bath experience.
- Candle Embedding: Embed dried Pinks petals into homemade candles for a unique, decorative touch.
- Floral Confetti: Fresh or dried Pinks petals can be used as biodegradable confetti for celebrations like weddings.
- Gift Wrapping Embellishment: Use Pinks petals or whole flowers to adorn gift wrapping for a natural and elegant touch.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Carnation is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Carnation is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Divine Love: Dianthus is often associated with the divine or heavenly love due to its long-lasting blooms and sweet fragrance, reflecting a commitment that transcends the everyday.
- Passion: The rich colors and pattern of 'Spinfield Party Dress' can symbolize deep emotions and a lively spirit, reflecting the intensity of romantic or passionate feelings.
- Boldness: The striking appearance of this variety of dianthus can suggest a boldness or willingness to stand out, sharing a message of courage and assertiveness.
- Purity: Despite its vibrant colors, dianthus flowers are often associated with purity and innocence, possibly stemming from their traditional use in historical and religious contexts.
- Admiration: Gifting someone this plant could express admiration for that person's vivacity and vibrant character, mirroring the spirited nature of 'Spinfield Party Dress'.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 1-2 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
For the Sweet William, it is important to maintain consistent moisture without overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually about once a week. Depending on weather conditions and soil type, this could translate to approximately 1 gallon of water per week for outdoor plants. During extended dry spells or hot weather, increase the frequency of watering but be careful not to waterlog the soil.
Light
Sweet William thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for the plant is one where it receives at least six hours of sunlight a day. However, in extremely hot climates, it benefits from some afternoon shade to protect it from harsh sun.
Temperature
Sweet William performs best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate colder conditions down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit and can survive short periods of frost. The plant is not suited for extreme heat, so in regions where temperatures consistently exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit, it may require some protection.
Pruning
Prune Sweet William to encourage bushier growth and to remove spent blooms, which encourages further flowering. The best time to prune is after the first wave of flowering has finished. Deadheading, or the removal of old flowers, can be done throughout the blooming season to enhance the plant's appearance and promote more blooms.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for Dianthus, commonly known as pinks or carnations, should be well-draining and loamy with some organic matter. An ideal pH level for Dianthus 'Spinfield Party Dress' is between 6.0 and 7.5. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand would be suitable to achieve the required drainage and nutrient balance.
Repotting
Dianthus 'Spinfield Party Dress', or carnations, don't require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. It's typically best to repot carnations only when they become root-bound or when the soil has degraded, usually every 2-3 years.
Humidity & Misting
Carnations, like Dianthus 'Spinfield Party Dress', prefer moderate humidity levels. They can tolerate some humidity variation, but it's best to aim for a level between 40-60% to provide optimal growing conditions for this plant.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place pinks in bright light, away from drafts, and water regularly.
- Outdoor
  Plant pinks in full sun to part shade, in well-draining soil.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
For Dianthus 'Spitfire', the lifecycle begins with seed germination, occurring in warm, well-drained soil typically in late spring or early summer. The seedlings develop into young plants with a rosette of leaves close to the ground, establishing a root system. As the plant matures, it forms a sturdy stem and begins to produce a profusion of brightly colored flowers, often in shades of pink or red, which is the hallmark of the 'Spitfire' variety. Following pollination, which can be facilitated by insects or wind, the plant sets seeds, ensuring the continuation of the species. During the autumn season, the plant may start to die back, especially if it is an annual or biennial variety, or it may persist through the winter if it is a hardy perennial. The plant will either complete its lifecycle within one to two years if it's an annual or biennial, or continue to grow and flower annually for several years if it's a perennial.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The Dianthus 'Spinfield Party Dress', commonly known as Pinks, is typically propagated by cuttings. This method is most successful when performed in late spring to early summer when the plant's growth is vigorous. To propagate Pinks by cuttings, select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut a section about 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 cm). Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Insert the cutting into a pot filled with a mix of perlite and peat for good drainage and moisture retention. Water the cuttings and cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity. Place the pot in a bright location out of direct sunlight. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be transplanted to individual pots or garden beds.