Sweet William Dianthus Bubblegum = 'Wp15val12' (p)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Dianthus Bubblegum, also known as the "pinks," is a vibrant and eye-catching plant. This particular variant is celebrated for its robust and brightly colored blooms. The flowers of the Dianthus Bubblegum boast a stunning pink hue, reminiscent of the sugary sweetness of bubblegum. The petals are typically edged with a delicate fringe, adding a touch of whimsical grace to the overall appearance of the flower. These blossoms often exhibit a rich pattern, sometimes with a deeper or lighter pink, and may have concentric circles or a gradient effect, which enhances their visual appeal. The foliage of the Dianthus Bubblegum forms a complementary backdrop to its showy flowers. Leaves are slender and elongated, presenting in a blue-green or grayish-green color that has a grass-like look. They form a neat, compact mound, which serves as an exemplary base that further accentuates the lively blooms. The plant is known for its delightful fragrance, emitting a sweet and spicy scent that often attracts both gardeners and pollinators alike. Overall, the Dianthus Bubblegum exudes a charming and almost candy-like presence in the garden with its vivacious blooms, attractive foliage, and pleasing aroma, making it a favorite among those looking to add a burst of color and fragrance to their outdoor spaces.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Caryophyllaceae
- Synonyms
  Sweet William, Pinks
- Common names
  Dianthus 'Wp15val12'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Dianthus plants, commonly known as "pinks," are not considered toxic to humans. However, ingesting any part of the plant is generally not advised, as it is not intended for consumption. Eating Dianthus in large quantities could potentially cause stomach upset or discomfort due to the unusual nature of plant matter in the human digestive system, but it is not known to cause serious poisoning or life-threatening symptoms.
- To pets
  Dianthus plants, commonly referred to as "pinks," are considered to be non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. These plants are not known to cause serious harm if pets ingest them. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion may potentially result in mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the irritation of the digestive tract. It is always prudent to monitor pets and discourage them from eating ornamental plants to prevent any possible discomfort.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Blue-green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
- Spread
  0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  Varies
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attractive Flowers: Dianthus Bubblegum boasts vibrant pink blossoms that can add a splash of color to any garden or landscape.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant has a prolonged flowering season, providing continuous visual interest throughout.
- Compact Size: Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for small gardens, containers, or as a border plant.
- Easy to Care For: Dianthus Bubblegum is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established in the right conditions.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the plant is drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens.
- Fragrance: The flowers emit a pleasant scent, adding an aromatic dimension to its surroundings.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms attract butterflies and other beneficial pollinators, supporting the local ecosystem.
- Deer Resistant: This variety is known to be deer resistant, making it suitable for gardens in areas with deer populations.
- Cold Hardy: It is able to withstand cooler temperatures, making it a good option for gardens in temperate climates.
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
- Culinary Garnish: Petals of the Dianthus, also known as "Pinks," can be used to add a splash of color to salads and desserts.
- Edible Flowers: The flowers of Pinks are edible and can have a spicy, clove-like flavor, suitable for infusing into syrups, wines, or vinegars.
- Natural Dye: The petals of the Pinks can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics or crafts, providing a range of colors from pink to light purple.
- Bookmarks: Dried Pinks flowers can be pressed and used as decorative bookmarks.
- Art and Craft: The vibrant flowers can be used in art projects, including flower pressing and making potpourri.
- Cut Flower Arrangements: Pinks have a long vase life and can be used to create fragrant, colorful arrangements in floral design.
- Scented Sachets: Dried Pinks flowers can be placed in cloth sachets to create natural air fresheners for drawers and closets.
- Wedding Confetti: Petals of the Dianthus are biodegradable and can be used as eco-friendly confetti for weddings and celebrations.
- Potpourri Ingredient: The fragrant petals can be included in potpourri mixes to add a pleasant aroma to your home.
- Decorative Ice Cubes: Freeze Pinks petals in ice cubes to create an eye-catching addition to summer drinks and cocktails.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Sweet William is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Sweet William is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Love: Dianthus is often associated with love and affection due to its hearty blooms and long-standing presence in gardens and romantic bouquets.
- Admiration: The vibrant and lively colors of the Dianthus, such as those found in the Bubblegum variety, can signify admiration for someone's boldness and vibrancy.
- Pure Affection: The simplicity and sweet fragrance of the Dianthus convey a message of genuine, pure affection towards a person.
- Passion: The intense hues of the Dianthus Bubblegum flowers represent deep emotional bonds and passionate feelings.
- Gratitude: Offering someone a Dianthus can be a way of expressing gratitude for their presence and impact in one's life.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

40%

Humidity

🪴

Every 1-2 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Sweet William, as Dianthus Bubblegum is commonly known, requires even moisture and should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on weather conditions, this might mean watering once or twice a week. Each watering session should provide enough water to soak the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, which could be approximately 0.5 to 1 gallon for an established plant in a garden setting. Ensure that the plant is not sitting in water, as this can cause root rot. During the colder months, reduce watering frequency as the plant requires less moisture.
Light
Sweet William thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal spot for this plant is one where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight each day, though it will tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. An east- or south-facing garden that gets bright, direct light in the morning with some afternoon protection is optimal for good growth and flowering.
Temperature
Sweet William prefers temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures up to about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures outside these limits can stress the plant, potentially leading to poor growth or lack of blooms.
Pruning
Sweet William should be pruned to encourage healthy growth and prolific blooming. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to promote further blooms. Cut back the foliage by one third after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage a flush of new growth. The best time for a major pruning is late winter or early spring before the onset of the new growing season.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Sweet William prefers well-draining soil with organic matter. A mix of loamy soil with compost and perlite works best. Aim for a slightly alkaline pH of 6.75 to 7.5 for optimal growth.
Repotting
Sweet William usually does not require frequent repotting. Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container, ideally during spring or autumn.
Humidity & Misting
Sweet William thrives in average humidity conditions. It is tolerant of both dry and moderately humid environments, making it adaptable to typical outdoor conditions without specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Use bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
The Dianthus 'Bubblegum' begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown, germinates in a warm environment with moist soil. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops its first set of true leaves, entering the vegetative stage where it focuses on growth. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, during which the distinctive pink flowers bloom and attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant produces seeds, completing its reproductive cycle. The Dianthus 'Bubblegum' is often grown as a perennial in suitable climates, so it may enter a period of dormancy during the colder months, only to resume growth and flowering in the following season. With proper care and under the right conditions, this cycle can repeat for several years, as the plant continues to produce vibrant blooms each year.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Propogation: The Dianthus Bubblegum, often known as the Sweet William, is most commonly propagated by cuttings. This method involves taking a segment of the plant's stem, ideally during late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Choose a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) long piece, just below a leaf node. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to expose the nodes, as these will form the roots. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to enhance root development and plant the cutting into a mix of half peat and half perlite or sand, ensuring that at least two nodes are buried underneath the soil surface. The cutting should be kept moist and in a well-lit area but out of direct sunlight until roots have established, which typically takes 2-3 weeks. After rooting, the young plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.