Siberian Blues Dianthus amurensis 'Siberian Blue' (p)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The 'Siberian Blue' is known for its appealing visual attributes, characterized by dense clusters of vividly colored flowers. These blossoms boast an intense blue hue, often with a lighter center or eye, which provides a stunning contrast against the plant's foliage. The petals are typically adorned with fringed edges, adding a delicate and intricate texture to the overall appearance of the flowers. Blooming profusely, the flowers create a dense and colorful display that can catch anyone's eye. The foliage of 'Siberian Blue' is also noteworthy, typically consisting of slender leaves that are gray-green. These leaves form a tight, low-growing mat which serves as the perfect backdrop for the attention-grabbing flowers. The plant tends to have a neat, compact growth habit, which contributes to its attractiveness in garden settings. The combination of its striking blue flowers and complementary foliage makes 'Siberian Blue' a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their floral arrangements.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Caryophyllaceae
- Synonyms
  Siberian Blue Dianthus, Amur Pink
- Common names
  Dianthus amurensis 'Siberian Blue'
Toxicity
- To humans
  Dianthus amurensis 'Siberian Blue', commonly known as Amur Pink, is not widely recognized for high toxicity towards humans. Generally, Dianthus species are considered to have low toxicity if ingested. However, skin contact with the sap of some Dianthus species can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It is always advisable to exercise caution and keep plants away from children who may inadvertently consume them.
- To pets
  Amur Pink is also not particularly known to be toxic to pets. Dianthus species, in general, have low toxicity levels for pets such as dogs and cats. Nevertheless, ingestion can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's natural chemical compounds. As with any non-food plant, it is best to keep it out of reach of pets to avoid any potential risks.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Blue
- Height
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Spread
  1 feet (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  3
- Native area
  Asia

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attracts pollinators: Dianthus amurensis 'Siberian Blue' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, contributing to the health and productivity of the garden ecosystem.
- Low maintenance: This plant is generally easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established, making it ideal for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance plants.
- Drought tolerance: It has the ability to withstand periods of low water availability, which can be particularly beneficial in regions with water restrictions or in xeriscaping designs.
- Aesthetic appeal: With its vibrant blue flowers and attractive foliage, this Dianthus variety adds visual interest and color to garden beds, borders, and containers.
- Long blooming period: The 'Siberian Blue' has a long flowering season that extends the period during which the garden remains colorful and vibrant.
- Cold hardiness: It is well-suited to cooler climates and can survive through winters, making it a sturdy choice for gardens in northern regions.
- Soil adaptability: This plant can adapt to a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils, which makes it versatile for different garden setups.
- Compact growth habit: Its relatively small size and neat growth habit make it suitable for small gardens or spaces where controlled growth is necessary.
- Resistant to pests: It is known to have a certain level of resistance to common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
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
- Edging for paths or borders: Dianthus amurensis 'Siberian Blue' can be used to create a defined edge along garden paths or flower bed borders, offering a contrasting color to the usual green foliage.
- Ground cover: Due to its mat-forming growth, it can serve as a ground cover in rockeries or alpine gardens, suppressing weeds and providing a splash of color.
- Aromatic sachets: The petals can be dried and used in sachets to provide a pleasant scent in drawers or closets.
- Decorative potpourri: Dried flowers of Dianthus amurensis can be mixed with other botanicals to create a visually appealing and fragrant potpourri.
- Culinary garnish: Petals of this edible flower can be used to add color and a mild spicy flavor as a garnish to salads or desserts.
- Craft projects: The flowers can be used for their color in pressed flower projects, such as bookmarks, greeting cards, or framed art.
- Natural fabric dye: The petals can be boiled to extract dye for coloring fabrics, giving them a soft, blue tint.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried, the flowers can be incorporated into bouquets and floral displays for additional texture and depth.
- Photography prop: The vibrant blue flowers can be used by photographers to create compelling compositions and add natural beauty to their photos.
- Companion planting: Dianthus amurensis can be planted alongside vegetables to attract pollinators and potentially enhance the vigor of the garden.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The plant Dianthus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant Dianthus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Devotion and Love: Dianthus species, in general, are often associated with feelings of love and devotion, reflecting their long history as ornamental flowers cherished for their beauty and scent.
- Boldness: The vibrant 'Siberian Blue' variety of the Dianthus amurensis can symbolize boldness and daring, reminiscent of its striking blue hues and ability to stand out in a garden.
- Purity and Innocence: Dianthus flowers have also been connected to themes of purity and innocence, potentially due to their delicate petals and traditional use in classic floral arrangements.
- Zealousness: Given the energetic color and hardiness of the 'Siberian Blue,’ it might also represent someone's zealous approach to life, thriving in various conditions with vigor.
- Longevity: Dianthus plants are perennial and can symbolize the idea of enduring through the seasons, representing long life and timelessness.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

40%

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-early summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Siberian Blue prefers consistently moist soil, so it's important to water it regularly. Typically, watering once or twice a week should be sufficient, providing about 1-2 gallons of water each time depending on weather conditions and soil type. During the hot summer months, you might need to water more frequently, especially if the plant is in full sun and the temperatures are high. It's essential to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Deep watering is encouraged to help establish a strong root system, but allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Light
The Siberian Blue thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It's essential to provide the plant with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. If you live in an area with extremely hot summers, some afternoon shade can help protect the flowers from wilting. The perfect spot for the Siberian Blue would be a south or west-facing garden that receives ample sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature
The Siberian Blue is hardy and can withstand a range of temperature conditions. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for gardens in colder climates. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which encourages healthy growth and blooming. During the extreme heat of summer, the plant may require additional watering to keep it hydrated.
Pruning
Pruning the Siberian Blue helps to maintain its shape and encourages more vigorous blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. A more substantial pruning can be done in early spring or after the flowering period has ended to remove old or dead growth and thin out the plant. This pruning should be done annually to keep the plant healthy and ensure abundant blooms for the following year.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Siberian Blues prefer well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. A good soil mix for this plant would consist of one part garden soil, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost to ensure both drainage and fertility.
Repotting
Siberian Blues should be repotted every 1-2 years, or once they outgrow their current pot, to refresh the soil and provide room for root growth.
Humidity & Misting
Siberian Blues do well in average humidity conditions; they are not particularly demanding in terms of atmospheric moisture.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright light and well-draining soil.
- Outdoor
  Full sun, well-draining soil, hardy plant.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
The life cycle of the Siberian Blue Dianthus begins with seed germination, typically occurring in spring when soil temperatures are favorable for growth. Seedlings develop true leaves and establish a strong root system shortly after germination. The plant then enters a vegetative stage, during which it develops a sturdy stem and foliage, preparing for flowering. Flowering occurs in late spring to summer, with the Siberian Blue Dianthus showcasing vibrant blue or violet flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant produces seeds, allowing for the reproduction and dispersal of its genetic material, which can be by wind or animals. The cycle concludes with the plant entering a period of dormancy in the late fall and winter, especially in colder climates, where it may die back to the ground before re-emerging in the next spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-early summer
- Dianthus amurensis 'Siberian Blue', commonly known as Siberian Blue Dianthus, is most successfully propagated using stem cuttings, typically during the late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing yet not in full bloom. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length and taken from non-flowering stems to encourage better rooting. The cut end should be dipped in rooting hormone to stimulate root growth and then planted in a well-draining soil mixture. Keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged is vital for the development of new roots. It usually takes a few weeks for cuttings to establish a strong root system after which they can gradually be acclimatized to outdoor conditions before being planted in their final location.