Sweet William Dianthus 'Maureen Lambert' (pf)
ABOUT
Dianthus 'Maureen Lambert' is a charming and delicate flowering plant, often known for its beautiful and vibrant blooms. The plant features a clump of slender, green, grass-like foliage that serves as an elegant backdrop to its striking flowers. The blossoms of the Maureen Lambert variety are a standout feature, usually displaying a soft pink hue with unique, deeply fringed petal edges that give them a ruffled appearance. Each flower sits atop a slender, upright stem that emerges from the dense foliage and may have several flowers blooming in a clustered fashion at the stem's apex. The center of the flower often showcases a deeper pink or red eye, which contrasts beautifully with the lighter tones of the petals, creating an eye-catching effect. The petals themselves might be adorned with delicate patterns or subtle variations in color, ranging from paler edges to deeper flushes of pink towards the center. This dianthus variety is known for its alluring fragrance, which can be described as spicy or clove-like, adding an additional layer of sensory appeal to the garden setting. The blooms are not only a visual delight but also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden. The growth habit of the 'Maureen Lambert' dianthus forms a neat, compact mound, making it an excellent choice for border fronts, rock gardens, and containers where its showy blossoms can be appreciated up close. It is also valued for its extended flowering period, bringing long-lasting color and fragrance to the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Caryophyllaceae
Synonyms
Maiden Pink, Carnation, Sweet William, Pinks
Common names
Dianthus 'Maureen Lambert'
ToxicityTo humans
Dianthus 'Maureen Lambert', commonly known as Carnation, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingesting significant quantities of any part of the plant may cause mild gastrointestinal distress including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Care should be taken to prevent accidental ingestion, particularly by children.
To pets
The Carnation, or Dianthus 'Maureen Lambert', is generally not toxic to pets. However, some cats and dogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume parts of this plant. Symptoms could include vomiting, diarrhea, or mild signs of GI irritation. It is always a good practice to keep an eye on pets and prevent them from ingesting plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot (30 centimeters)
Spread
1 foot (30 centimeters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Dianthus 'Maureen Lambert' provides nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, thus supporting local ecosystems.
- Low maintenance: This plant is known for its ease of care, requiring minimal attention once established, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought resistance: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, which helps conserve water and makes it suitable for xeriscaping or dry climate gardens.
- Aesthetic appeal: With beautiful blooms and foliage, this dianthus variety adds vibrant color and texture to garden beds, borders, and containers.
- Long blooming season: It offers an extended blooming period, providing color and interest in the garden throughout the growing season.
- Compact growth habit: The plant's compact and neat growth habit makes it a good choice for small spaces or as a border edge in larger garden designs.
- Fragrance: The flowers emit a pleasant fragrance that can enhance the sensory experience of any garden or outdoor space.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of landscape designs, from cottage gardens to more formal arrangements.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Create natural fabric dyes: The flowers of the Maureen Lambert, or Sweet William, can be used to produce a range of gentle colors for dyeing fabrics.
- Attract beneficial insects: Sweet William can be planted in gardens to attract pollinators as well as predatory insects that help control pest populations.
- Edging for walkways and borders: The compact growth and colorful blooms of Sweet William make it ideal for creating defined edges along garden paths or flower beds.
- Garnish for dishes: The petals of Sweet William are edible and can be used as a decorative and colorful garnish on salads and desserts.
- Scented sachets: Dried Sweet William flowers can be used to fill sachets, providing a natural fragrance for drawers and closets.
- Floral art: With their vivid colors and distinct shape, Sweet William flowers are a popular choice for various floral art projects, including pressed flower crafts.
- Culinary flavoring: The Sweet William flowers can be crystallized or used as a flavoring agent in some traditional European cuisines, especially desserts.
- Companion planting: Sweet William can be used as companion plants to some vegetables, potentially improving their growth and health by deterring pests.
- Photography subject: The vibrant and picturesque appearance of Sweet William makes them an excellent subject for botanical photography.
- Wedding decorations: The significance of Sweet William in floriography, often associated with gallantry and finesse, makes them a choice flower for wedding bouquets and arrangements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Carnation is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Carnation is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: Dianthus flowers in general are associated with love and affection, possibly due to their long-lasting fragrance and the way they stand out in a garden, similar to how love can feel poignant and vibrant.
- Admiration: The name Dianthus itself translates to "flower of the gods" in Greek, suggesting a kind of reverent esteem, which can be interpreted as a symbol of admiration when given to someone special.
- Purity: The bright and distinct flowers of Dianthus, including the 'Maureen Lambert' variety, are often associated with purity due to their crisp appearance and the clarity of their color.
- Boldness: The 'Maureen Lambert' Dianthus, with its striking coloration and prominent presence, can represent boldness and the audacity to stand out with confidence.
- Passion: The rich hues of this Dianthus can also signify deep feelings and a passionate nature, embodying the intensity of sentiments that go beyond the platonic.
WaterPinks, the common name for Dianthus 'Maureen Lambert', should be watered regularly but with caution to avoid waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot. Ideally, pinks should be watered when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically means applying about 1 gallon of water per square yard once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. During hot, dry periods, more frequent watering may be necessary. Overwatering should be avoided, as these plants prefer drier conditions.
LightPinks flourish in full sun to partial shade locations. They perform best when they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. A spot with morning sun and some afternoon shade is ideal, especially in hotter climates to prevent stress from excessive heat. Avoid heavily shaded areas, which can lead to poor flowering and increased susceptibility to diseases.
TemperaturePinks are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but they perform best in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. They can survive winter chill down to about -30°F and can handle summer heat up to around 85°F. Ensuring good air circulation around the plants will help maintain the ideal temperature range and prevent issues caused by excessive heat or cold.
PruningPinks should be pruned to encourage bushy growth and to maintain their compact shape. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering. The best time for a more thorough pruning is after the first flowering flush has finished, usually in late spring or early summer. Trim back the flowered stems to just above a set of leaves, which will often stimulate a second bloom period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCarnations prefer well-drained, loamy soil with a pH ranging from slightly alkaline to neutral, around 6.7 to 6.9. A mix of one-third coarse sand, one-third garden soil, and one-third peat moss is ideal for good growth.
RepottingCarnations should be repotted every 1-2 years or when they outgrow their current container. It's best to repot in the spring before the onset of new growth.
Humidity & MistingCarnations thrive in average to low humidity levels. They do well in the typical humidity found in most homes without the need for special attention to humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, well-draining soil & water when topsoil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, fertile soil, with good drainage, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleDianthus 'Maureen Lambert', commonly known as Pink, begins its life as a seed, which when sown and properly cared for, germinates into a seedling. The seedling then develops a root system and a small rosette of leaves as it enters the vegetative stage. Over time, the Pink matures and reaches the flowering stage, characterized by the production of its distinctive fragrant flowers in shades of pink or white during late spring to early summer. Following pollination, the flowers produce capsules containing seeds, thus completing the reproductive cycle. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in the late fall and winter, conserving energy for the next growing season. As a perennial, Dianthus 'Maureen Lambert' can survive for several years, going through the cycle of growth, flowering, seed production, and dormancy annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Dianthus 'Maureen Lambert', commonly known as Pink, is a perennial plant that can be propagated by several methods, with division being among the most popular. Division is best done in the spring or early fall when the plant's growth is vigorous but temperatures are not too extreme. To propagate through division, carefully dig up an established clump of Pinks and gently separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a portion of the roots attached. These sections can then be immediately replanted in well-draining soil, spaced approximately 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate air circulation and room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them in their new location.
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