Carnation Dianthus 'Ann Franklin' (pf)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

perpetually flowering carnation 'Ann Franklin'

ABOUT

The Dianthus 'Ann Franklin' presents a vibrant display of color and texture. It is characterized by its lovely flowers that evoke a sense of cottage charm. The blooms are typically a bright pink or a deep pink hue, with frilled edges that add to their visual appeal. Each bloom has a pattern of deeper shades near the center or in the form of streaks or dots, often with a lighter or sometimes contrasting center, known as the "eye." This charming detail adds to the intricate look of the flowers. The petals of the Dianthus 'Ann Franklin' have a subtly sweet fragrance that can be appreciated when nearby. These flowers are borne atop slender, yet sturdy stems that rise gracefully above the foliage. The leaves are narrow, with a blue-green to gray-green color and possess a linear to lanceolate shape. They form a tight clump, giving the plant a lush, full-bodied appearance at the base. The foliage texture enhances the contrast with the soft, almost delicate texture of the flowers. With its arresting florals and its delightful scent, Dianthus 'Ann Franklin' is a plant that not only adds color to the garden but also engages the senses with its perfume. It retains a neat appearance throughout its blooming season and even when not in flower, the foliage provides an attractive ground cover. Note that the specific dimensions and growth habit of the plant are not to be addressed according to the prerequisites given.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Caryophyllaceae.
- Synonyms
  Pink, Sweet William, Carnation, Gillyflower.
- Common names
  Dianthus 'Ann Franklin'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The plant commonly known as Carnation, specifically the Dianthus 'Ann Franklin', is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingesting parts of this plant can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach upset or diarrhea in some individuals. It's important to note that while serious poisoning is unlikely, sensitive individuals may have more pronounced reactions upon ingestion, and it is still advisable to avoid consuming parts of ornamental plants due to potential pesticide residue and the absence of information on their edibility and safety for human consumption.
- To pets
  The Carnation, specifically the Dianthus 'Ann Franklin', is not known to be highly toxic to pets. If ingested by pets such as dogs or cats, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, which could manifest as symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. While the toxicity is generally considered low, it is always best to keep an eye on pets and prevent them from ingesting plants, as individual reactions can vary and there might be unknown risks or more severe symptoms in some cases. If you suspect your pet has ingested this plant and is displaying symptoms, it is always a good practice to consult with a veterinarian.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Blue-green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)
- Spread
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  5
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Dianthus 'Ann Franklin' adds vibrant colors to gardens with its pink to purplish-pink flowers and attractive foliage.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract bees and butterflies, which are important for pollination.
- Fragrance: These plants are known for their sweet, clove-like fragrance that can be enjoyed in the garden or as cut flowers indoors.
- Long Blooming Period: This specific cultivar often has a long flowering season, providing color and interest for an extended period.
- Low Maintenance: Dianthus 'Ann Franklin' is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the plant is quite drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or areas with water restrictions.
- Versatility: The plant can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, and containers.
- Cold Hardy: It is generally cold hardy, able to withstand frost and cold temperatures better than many other perennials.
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
- Dianthus 'Ann Franklin', commonly known as Carnation, can be employed as a natural dye source for textiles, providing soft pinks and beige hues depending on the mordant used.
- In crafts, the petals of Carnations can be used for making potpourri, giving a decorative and fragrant touch to home decor.
- Carnations are sometimes used in educational settings for science experiments, such as demonstrating capillary action by changing the color of the flower through dyed water.
- The robust nature of Carnation petals allows them to be used in papermaking, contributing texture and color to handmade papers.
- Carnations can serve as a natural pest repellent in gardens, deterring some types of insects due to their clove-like fragrance.
- The plant itself can be used in landscaping to attract pollinators, such as butterflies and bees, supporting local ecosystems.
- Carnation petals are edible and can be used to add color and a spicy taste to salads, desserts, and cocktails.
- When frozen into ice cubes, Carnation petals create visually appealing elements for drinks at special events or gatherings.
- The strong scent of Carnations can act as a natural deodorant for rooms, when fresh flowers are placed in a bowl or hung in sachets.
- As a symbol of love, Carnations are incorporated into wedding ceremonies, not only as decorations but also in crafting eco-friendly confetti.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Dianthus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Dianthus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Love: Dianthus is often associated with love due to their bright and attractive flowers which are historically used in bouquets to express affection.
- Admiration: The look of these elegant flowers also symbolizes admiration, making them perfect for giving to someone whom you have deep respect for.
- Purity: The pure white varieties of the Dianthus can represent purity and innocence.
- Boldness: The vibrant colors and spicy fragrance exuded by some Dianthus plants can signify boldness or even a daring spirit.
- Divine Favor: In the language of flowers, Dianthus flowers are often associated with the gods, suggesting divine favor.
- Protection: Folklore suggests that Dianthus has protective qualities, possibly due to the plant's hardy nature.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

10000 - 20000 Lux

Light

💦️

40%

Humidity

🪴

Every 1-2 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The common name for Dianthus 'Ann Franklin' is Pink. Pinks prefer consistently moist but well-drained soil. They should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time. During hot or dry periods, you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil from drying out completely. However, it's important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Adjust watering based on rainfall and check the soil moisture regularly.
Light
Pinks thrive best in full sun conditions, where they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be in a southern-facing garden that provides ample sunlight throughout the day. However, in extremely hot climates, pinks may benefit from light afternoon shade to prevent scorching.
Temperature
Pinks are hardy in a range of temperatures and can survive in temperatures as low as 40°F and as high as 85°F. They prefer cooler temperatures and will flourish in conditions between 60°F and 70°F. Prolonged exposure to temperatures outside this range, especially frost or extreme heat, can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pinks should be pruned to encourage bushy growth and more flowers. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering. After the blooming season, trim back the foliage by one-third to maintain the plant's shape and encourage new growth for the next season. Pruning is best done in late summer or early fall after the flowering period has ended.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Sweet William requires well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH between 6.5 and 7.5. A mix of loamy soil, compost, and a bit of sand or perlite is ideal for ensuring good drainage and fertility.
Repotting
Sweet William typically doesn't require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container, to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.
Humidity & Misting
Sweet William prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity levels found in typical home environments.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright light, away from direct afternoon sun.
- Outdoor
  Full sun to partial shade, shelter from strong winds.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
The Dianthus 'Ann Franklin', commonly known as 'Pink', begins its life as a seed, which under suitable conditions of warmth and moisture, germinates to sprout its first roots and shoots. The seedling stage follows, where true leaves develop, fostering photosynthesis and allowing the plant to grow further. As it enters the vegetative stage, the Pink focuses on growing more leaves and stems, expanding both above and below the soil to absorb more nutrients and sunlight. Once it reaches maturity, the plant enters the flowering stage, producing distinctive fragrant flowers that often attract pollinators and may be pink, red, or white, depending on the variety. After pollination, seeds develop within the flowers, which can be dispersed once the petals fade and the plant enters the fruiting stage. At the end of its growing season or life cycle, the plant may die back, especially if it is an annual or biennial, or it may enter a state of dormancy if it is a perennial, waiting to re-emerge during the next favorable season.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Summer
- The Dianthus 'Ann Franklin', commonly known as a variety of Pink or Sweet William, is best propagated in late spring to summer when the weather has warmed up. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is by cuttings. Start by selecting a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a portion that is about 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) long, making sure there are several nodes present. Strip the lower leaves, and dip the base of the cutting into rooting hormone before inserting it into a pot filled with a mix of sand and peat or a seed-starting mix to encourage root growth. Keep the cuttings in a bright spot out of direct sunlight and ensure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically form within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.