Peruvian Carnation Dianthus 'Incas' (pf)

👤 Non-toxic to humans
🐾 Non-toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Easy-care
perpetually flowering carnation 'Incas'

ABOUT

Dianthus 'Incas' is a captivating plant known for its vibrant and richly colored flowers, which are a standout feature in any garden. The flowers display a range of colors from deep purples and reds to lighter pinks and sometimes whites. They are distinguished by their frilly or serrated petal edges, giving them a ruffled appearance that adds to their charm. These petals form a tight, compact blossom, often with a contrasting eye or center that can be a different color, adding depth and variety to the flower's look. Flowering generally takes place in the spring and summer, providing a seasonal burst of color. The blossoms are borne atop slender, yet sturdy stems that rise above the foliage, giving a floating effect to the blooms. The leaves of this plant are slender and have a bluish-green hue, forming a neat, dense mound. Their texture can vary from smooth to a slightly rough or grass-like feel. The Dianthus 'Incas' has a tidy growth habit, making it a popular choice for borders, flower beds, and as an accent in rock gardens. The plant is also known for its appealing fragrance, which is sweet and spicy, and adds another dimension to its allure. The combination of strikingly beautiful flowers and pleasant scent makes the Dianthus 'Incas' a delightful addition to any outdoor space, inviting onlookers and pollinators alike.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Caryophyllaceae

    • Synonyms

      Incas Sweet William, Incas Pinks

    • Common names

      Dianthus 'Incas'

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      The Dianthus 'Incas', commonly known as Carnation or Pinks, is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, ingesting parts of this plant typically does not result in poisoning or produce harmful symptoms. However, it is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid eating plants that are not meant for consumption, as individual sensitivities can vary.

    • To pets

      The Dianthus 'Incas', commonly known as Carnation or Pinks, is generally considered to be non-toxic to pets. This means that ingesting parts of the plant usually does not cause harmful effects or symptoms of poisoning in pets such as dogs and cats. Despite its non-toxic status, it's always a good practice to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as they could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset due to the ingestion of non-food items.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Evergreen

    • Color of leaves

      Blue-green

    • Flower color

      Varies

    • Height

      0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)

    • Spread

      0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)

    • Plant type

      Herb

    • Hardiness zones

      5

    • Native area

      Europe

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Attractive Blooms: Dianthus 'Incas' features colorful and striking flowers that add visual appeal to gardens and landscapes.
    • Versatility: The plant can be used in borders, rock gardens, containers, and as ground cover, providing multiple uses for gardeners.
    • Fragrant Flowers: The flowers emit a pleasant fragrance which can create a delightful aromatic experience in gardens or when used as cut flowers.
    • Long Blooming Season: Dianthus 'Incas' has a lengthy blooming period from late spring to early autumn, offering extended beauty in the garden.
    • Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those new to gardening.
    • Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
    • Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
    • Cold Hardy: It is resistant to colder temperatures, which allows it to thrive in a variety of climates.
    • Rapid Growth: Dianthus 'Incas' can grow quickly, which helps in achieving a full and lush garden display in a relatively short period.
    • Deer Resistance: This plant is known to be deer resistant, which makes it suitable for gardens in areas with deer populations.

  • 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

    • Carnations like Dianthus 'Incas' can be used in dye production, as their petals contain pigments that can color fabrics and cosmetics.
    • The clove-like fragrance of carnations makes them suitable for use in perfumes and scented oils.
    • Carnations are often utilized in educational settings for experiments on capillary action and color absorption by placing their stems in dyed water.
    • Due to their attractive and lengthy blooms, carnations are used in the art of flower pressing to create natural decorations and crafts.
    • The strong and flexible stems of carnations make them ideal for use in floral wirework, providing structure to elaborate arrangements.
    • Carnation petals can be used as a natural confetti at weddings and celebrations, being biodegradable and colorful.
    • Edible varieties of carnations can be crystallized with sugar and used as elegant cake decorations or as a garnishing for desserts.
    • With their vibrant colors, carnations can be placed in bowls of water as a floating decorative element for events and home decor.
    • The pattern and color of carnation petals can be used as inspiration for artists and designers in fabric patterns and wallpaper designs.
    • In the craft of potpourri making, dried carnation petals are included for their fragrance and color to create a pleasant and natural room scent.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The Carnation is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The Carnation is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Love: Dianthus is often associated with love and romantic feelings, possibly due to its heart-shaped flowers and pleasant fragrance.
    • Admiration: Giving someone a dianthus can express deep admiration and respect for the person.
    • Passion: The vibrant colors of some Dianthus 'Incas' varieties, which can be fiery reds and pinks, symbolize strong emotions and passion.
    • Boldness: These flowers are also seen as a symbol of boldness and challenge due to their striking appearance and resilience.
    • Divinity: In historical contexts, dianthus was associated with gods, hence the name “flower of the gods” from its genus name “dianthus” which comes from Greek “dios” (divine) and “anthos” (flower).
    • Purity: The white varieties of Dianthus 'Incas' are often linked to purity and cleanliness.

💧
Every 1-2 weeks
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
40%
Humidity
🪴
Every 1-2 years
Repotting
🌱️
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning

  • water dropWater

    Perennial Carnations, like the Dianthus 'Incas', prefer even moisture but do not tolerate standing water. Water them thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which might be about once a week during active growth periods. Depending on environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, this can vary. Each watering session should provide enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of at least several inches. Aim to provide the equivalent of 1 to 1.5 gallons per square yard every two weeks during the growing season, adjusting as necessary for rainfall and weather conditions.

  • sunLight

    Perennial Carnations thrive in full sun conditions, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They perform best when placed in a spot that ensures morning light, which dries the dew on the leaves, thereby reducing the risk of disease. If grown indoors, a south-facing window is an excellent choice.

  • thermometerTemperature

    The ideal temperature range for Perennial Carnations is between 60°F and 70°F. They can tolerate temperatures down to about 40°F and up to around 85°F, but extreme temperatures outside this range can stress the plant. Ensuring proper airflow can help maintain an even temperature for Dianthus 'Incas'.

  • scissorsPruning

    Pruning Perennial Carnations helps to promote bushy growth and more prolific blooming. Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage more buds to form. Perform a more thorough pruning in early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged stems. The best time for pruning is after the plant has finished its main flush of bloom, typically in late summer.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    The best soil mix for Carnations (Dianthus 'Incas') is well-draining and fertile with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of loam, sand, and compost works well, ensuring that the plant has adequate drainage to prevent root rot. Regularly enrich the soil with organic matter to maintain its fertility.

  • plantRepotting

    Carnations (Dianthus 'Incas') generally need repotting every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. If the plant is not growing vigorously or the soil looks depleted, it may be time to repot.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Carnations (Dianthus 'Incas') prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable to lower humidity. They thrive best when the humidity is not excessively high, which can lead to fungal diseases.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and moderate temps for indoor Carnations.

    • Outdoor

      Plant in sun with well-draining soil and space for air circulation.

    • Hardiness zone

      3-9 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    The Dianthus 'Incas', commonly known as Pinks, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown directly into the ground in late spring or early summer. As they germinate and establish, seedlings develop a rosette of leaves and a strong root system. In the first year, they focus on vegetative growth, preparing for flowering in the following season. In the second year, Dianthus 'Incas' produces stems with a profusion of fragrant flowers in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, seeds develop and can be collected for propagation or allowed to self-sow. Once flowering is completed, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, particularly in colder climates, only to regrow from the same roots the following spring.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Spring-Early Summer

    • The Dianthus 'Incas', commonly referred to as Pinks, is best propagated through stem cuttings. The ideal time for this method is in late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate through stem cuttings, a gardener should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a piece approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. It's important to make the cut just below a node, which is the point on the stem where leaves are attached. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end of the stem is dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. This cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least two nodes are buried where roots can form. The cutting should be kept moist and placed in indirect light until roots have established, after which it can be transplanted to a permanent location.

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