Sweet William Dianthus 'Ben Gascoigne' (p)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Dianthus 'Ben Gascoigne' is a striking plant known for its vibrant and showy flowers. This plant typically produces beautiful blooms that are a rich, velvety magenta or deep pink color, often with frilled or serrated edges which give them a distinctive and decorative appearance. Each flower typically has a pattern of darker and lighter shades, which may include a deeper eye or center, adding contrast and depth to the overall floral display. The petals might also exhibit a subtle sheen or glossy finish, which can catch the light and make the color appear even more intense. The foliage of Dianthus 'Ben Gascoigne' is also noteworthy, usually consisting of slender, linear leaves that have a blue-green or gray-green color. The leaves tend to form a dense and neat clump, providing a lush backdrop for the vivid flowers. The foliage often emits a pleasant fragrance when touched or brushed against, adding another layer of sensory appeal to the plant. Blooming typically occurs in late spring to early summer, and if the conditions are favorable, it may continue sporadically throughout the growing season. The flowers are often borne atop sturdy stems that rise elegantly above the foliage, making them excellent for cutting and adding to bouquets where they contribute both color and a sweet, spicy scent. Overall, the Dianthus 'Ben Gascoigne' is a plant that boasts a combination of visual beauty and aromatic allure, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add vibrant splashes of color to their landscape or floral arrangements.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Sweet William, Pinks
- Common names
  Dianthus 'Ben Gascoigne'
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Dianthus 'Ben Gascoigne', commonly known as the Carnation or Pinks, is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, ingestion of any plant material can potentially cause discomfort or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Symptoms of ingestion might include gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact with the skin may cause mild irritation or an allergic reaction, depending on individual sensitivity.
- To pets
  Carnations (Dianthus 'Ben Gascoigne') are considered to be mildly toxic to cats and dogs. If a pet ingests part of a carnation, it may exhibit symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting or diarrhea. These symptoms are generally not severe, but monitoring the pet and consulting with a veterinarian is recommended if significant amounts of the plant are consumed or if symptoms persist.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Red
- Height
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Spread
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  7
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Enhanced Garden Aesthetics: Dianthus 'Ben Gascoigne', commonly known as Pink, adds vibrant color and visual interest with its striking flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: Pinks are known to attract bees and butterflies, which are vital for pollination and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they are relatively drought-resistant, making them suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Pinks require minimal upkeep beyond occasional watering and deadheading, making them easy to care for.
- Seasonal Interest: With a long flowering period, often from late spring to early fall, they provide continual color throughout the growing season.
- Compact Growth: Being a low-growing plant, Pinks are perfect for borders, rock gardens, and containers where space is limited.
- Fragrance: Many Dianthus varieties, including the 'Ben Gascoigne', are known for their pleasant, spicy fragrance that adds another sensory experience to the garden.
- Cold Hardy: They can withstand cooler temperatures, which makes them suitable for a variety of climates and extends their growing season in colder regions.
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
- Carnation 'Ben Gascoigne' can be used in potpourri due to its pleasant fragrance, adding a natural scent to your home or closet.
- The petals of Carnation 'Ben Gascoigne' can serve as a natural dye, producing a range of pinks and reds on fabrics or paper when boiled.
- As a companion plant in the garden, Carnation 'Ben Gascoigne' can attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Carnation petals can be crystallized with egg whites and sugar and used as elegant edible decorations for cakes and desserts.
- The flowers of Carnation 'Ben Gascoigne' can be pressed and included in craft projects like handmade cards, bookmarks, or framed botanical art.
- Carnations can be used in floral waters or infused oils for cosmetics or as a gentle fragrance for soaps and bath bombs.
- Dried Carnation flowers can be used in homemade sachets, which when placed in drawers impart their scent to linens and clothing.
- Carnation 'Ben Gascoigne' petals may be included in homemade candles to add a decorative touch and a subtle fragrance when they are burned.
- Cut Carnation flowers are excellent for practicing flower arranging, providing structure and color to a bouquet.
- Carnation petals can be used in a natural confetti, as an environmentally-friendly alternative to synthetic confetti at celebrations.

Interesting Facts

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 flowers are traditionally associated with love due to their beautiful and intricate petals that can symbolize deep affection and admiration.
- Boldness: The 'Ben Gascoigne' variety, with its striking appearance, can represent boldness and daring.
- Passion: The rich colors of Dianthus can signify deep emotions and passionate feelings.
- Purity: The bright blooms of Dianthus may convey a message of purity and innocence.
- Devotion: Due to its long-lasting nature, Dianthus is often seen as a symbol of commitment and enduring love.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

40%

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Sweet William should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. Generally, this means watering once or twice a week, depending on environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. Water slowly at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, using about one gallon of water per plant each time. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In cooler weather or when rainfall is abundant, reduce the frequency to prevent overwatering.
Light
Sweet William thrives in full sun, meaning it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for these flowers is in a garden bed that receives ample morning light and some protection from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun. They can also tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates, but flowering may be less abundant.
Temperature
Sweet William prefers cooler temperatures and thrives in a range between 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal growing conditions include cool nights and mild days, as excessive heat above 80 degrees Fahrenheit may hinder the plant's growth and flowering.
Pruning
Prune Sweet William to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous flowering throughout the season. After the main bloom, cut back the stems to a few inches above ground level to tidy up the plant and potentially stimulate a second, smaller flush of flowers. Pruning is best done right after the first wave of flowers has faded.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Sweet William requires well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. To create the best soil mix, combine garden soil, compost, peat, and a handful of coarse sand to improve drainage.
Repotting
Sweet William does not typically require frequent repotting. Repot once every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current container.
Humidity & Misting
Sweet William thrives in average humidity levels and does not require any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place Sweet William in bright light and well-draining soil.
- Outdoor
  Plant Sweet William in full sun to part shade with good air circulation.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
The Dianthus 'Ben Gascoigne', commonly known as Carnation or Pinks, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in well-drained soil and germinate, which usually occurs in spring or summer. After germination, seedlings emerge and establish a root system, developing into vegetative plants with characteristic blue-green foliage and stout stems. This perennial plant enters a robust vegetative growth phase where it produces a dense clump of grass-like leaves. Following the vegetative stage, the Carnation forms flower buds that develop at the tips of the stems which then bloom into its distinctive, fragrant pink to red flowers, typically in late spring to early summer. After pollination, often by insects or through self-pollination, the flowers will produce seed pods that mature, eventually releasing seeds to repeat the life cycle. The plant may go dormant in winter depending on the climate, but it is generally hardy and will regrow from its base in the following growing season.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Dianthus 'Ben Gascoigne', commonly known as Pinks, is often propagated through cuttings, especially during late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener would select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 3- to 4-inch (about 7.5 to 10 cm) length, making sure there are at least two nodes present. The bottom leaves are then stripped, and the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to facilitate root development. This cutting is then planted in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring the lower node is buried where roots will form. The planted cutting should be watered lightly and placed in a spot with bright, indirect light and maintained in a humid environment either with a humidity dome or regular misting until roots establish, usually within a few weeks.