Pinks Dianthus 'Tempo' (pf)

Names

• Family

  Caryophyllaceae

• Synonyms

  Carnation, Pink

• Common names

  Dianthus 'Tempo'

Toxicity

• To humans

  Dianthus 'Tempo', commonly known as Carnation, is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. Most carnations are not poisonous, and accidental ingestion typically does not result in serious harm. However, eating large amounts could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea or an upset stomach due to the plant’s fiber content and natural compounds. As with any non-food plant, it's prudent to avoid ingesting it and to teach children to do the same.

• To pets

  Carnations, including the Dianthus 'Tempo' variety, are considered mildly toxic to pets, such as cats and dogs. If a pet ingests part of a carnation, they may experience mild signs of gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Generally, symptoms are not severe, but if a pet consumes a large amount of the plant or exhibits severe reactions, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. To prevent any unpleasant incidents, it is best to keep the carnation plants out of reach of pets.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Varies

• Height

  10-12 inches (25-30 cm)

• Spread

  10-12 inches (25-30 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  6

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Attractive Blooms: The Dianthus 'Tempo' features beautiful, often brightly colored flowers that add visual appeal to gardens and landscapes.
• Long Flowering Season: This plant typically has a long blooming period, providing vibrant colors for an extended time throughout the growing season.
• Low Maintenance: Dianthus 'Tempo' is considered easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established in suitable conditions.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, it often exhibits good resistance to drought, making it suitable for xeriscape gardens or areas with water restrictions.
• Cold Hardy: It is generally resistant to cold and can survive in lower temperatures, making it suitable for cooler climates.
• Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators which are essential for the health of your garden.
• Versatile Planting: They can be used in various garden designs, including borders, rock gardens, and containers, providing flexibility in landscaping.
• Deer Resistant: Dianthus 'Tempo' is known to be less palatable to deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer predation is a problem.
• Fragrant Flowers: The blooms often emit a pleasant fragrance which can add an aromatic aspect to the garden space.

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 'Tempo', commonly known as Carnation, can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, with blooms providing a range of colors from pinks to yellows depending on the mordant used.
• The crushed petals of Carnations can be infused in water to create a flavored solution for artistic purposes, such as watercolor painting, offering a subtle hue and fragrance.
• Carnations can be pressed and included in paper making to add texture and visual interest to handmade papers for crafts or stationary.
• The petals of the Carnation can be added to potpourris or sachets for a natural, fresh fragrance in drawers or closets.
• Dried Carnation petals can be used as a natural confetti at weddings or celebrations, providing an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic confetti.
• Carnations can be used for educational purposes in botany and horticulture programs, teaching about plant breeding and hybridization.
• The texture and color of Carnation petals can be used in sensory play activities for young children, helping them learn through tactile and visual stimulation.
• Carnations can be incorporated into performance art pieces, such as dance or theater productions, where petals might be used in costumes or set design for their aesthetic appeal.
• During some festivals or religious ceremonies, Carnation petals can be floated on water in bowls as part of the décor, symbolizing joy and celebration.
• Strong stems of Carnations are sometimes used in small-scale construction of model homes or artistic sculptures, especially when dried and treated for rigidity.

Feng Shui

The Carnation is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Carnation is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Love: Dianthus, commonly known as "Pinks," often represents love and affection, making it a popular choice in arrangements to express romantic feelings.
• Admiration: The beauty and variety of colors in Dianthus can symbolize admiration and are frequently given to convey respect or admiration for someone's talents or achievements.
• Boldness: With their striking patterns and vivid hues, Pinks sometimes represent boldness and daring, celebrating a person's audacity and courage.
• Passion: The passionate reds and vibrant pinks of many Dianthus flowers are commonly associated with strong emotions and intense passion.
• Pure Love: The white and lighter shades of Dianthus are often related to pure love and innocence, thereby making them a suitable gift for new beginnings.