Carnation Dianthus 'Calypso Star' (p)
ABOUT
The Dianthus 'Calypso Star' is a striking perennial known for its vibrant and showy flowers. The blooms are a radiant pink with contrasting dark pink to almost red rings at the base of each petal, giving them a unique and eye-catching pattern. In the center, the flowers have a cluster of smaller, frilly petals that add depth and texture. These beautiful blooms sit atop thin, sturdy stems that emerge from a mound of narrow, lance-shaped leaves. The foliage is a blue-green color, providing a lovely backdrop to the bright flowers and creating an appealing contrast. Blooming in profusion, the Dianthus 'Calypso Star' can be a delightful addition to garden borders, rockeries, and can also make an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements with its long-lasting and fragrant blossoms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Caryophyllaceae
Synonyms
Cheddar Pink, Sweet William, Carnation, Pinks
Common names
Dianthus 'Calypso Star'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Dianthus is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, individual sensitivities can vary, and ingesting significant quantities could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort or skin irritation in some people.
To pets
Dianthus is not typically listed as a toxic plant for pets such as cats and dogs. However, ingestion of plant material can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset in animals, so it is always best to prevent pets from consuming plants not intended for their consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: The Dianthus 'Calypso Star' features vibrant flowers that can add a touch of color to any garden.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for being easy to cultivate, making it suitable for beginner gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is quite drought-resistant, requiring less water compared to other species.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant has a long flowering season, providing interest in the garden throughout the summer and often into fall.
- Compact Size: Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for small spaces, borders, and container gardening.
- Fragrant: The flowers of Dianthus typically emit a pleasant fragrance, which can add another layer of enjoyment to the garden.
- Deer Resistant: Dianthus is known to be deer resistant, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Versatility: The plant can be used in various garden designs, including rock gardens, cottage gardens, and as edging plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Artwork: The petals of the Dianthus 'Calypso Star' can be used in pressed flower projects, creating natural art pieces for decoration.
- Bookmarks: Delicate Dianthus 'Calypso Star' blooms can be pressed and laminated to create unique and colorful bookmarks.
- Scented Sachets: Dried Dianthus 'Calypso Star' flowers can be placed into small pouches to create scented sachets for closets and drawers.
- Plant Dye: The flowers of Dianthus 'Calypso Star' can be boiled to extract a natural dye for fabrics or papers.
- Edible Decorations: Since Dianthus flowers are edible, their petals can be used to add a splash of color and subtle spice to gourmet dishes and desserts.
- Ice Cubes: Freeze petals of the Dianthus 'Calypso Star' in ice cube trays to create visually appealing ice cubes for punches and cocktails.
- Floral Perfume: The essence of Dianthus 'Calypso Star' can be infused into oils to make light, floral-scented homemade perfumes.
- Bath Bombs: Dried Dianthus 'Calypso Star' petals can be incorporated into bath bombs for a colorful and fragrant bathing experience.
- Candle Decoration: Pressed Dianthus 'Calypso Star' flowers can be embedded into the outer wax of homemade candles for decorative effect.
- Seed Confetti: The seeds of the Dianthus 'Calypso Star' can be used as an eco-friendly confetti alternative at celebrations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Carnation is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Carnation is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Carnation (Dianthus 'Calypso Star') - The carnation often symbolizes love and fascination. Different colors of carnations hold different meanings. Generally, they are associated with affection and strong feelings.
- Pink Carnations - Traditionally, pink carnations symbolize a mother's undying love, and they are often given on Mother’s Day.
- Red Carnations - Deep love and admiration are conveyed by red carnations. They are a common gift for a romantic partner to express passion and desire.
- White Carnations - White carnations represent pure love and good luck. They are often seen at weddings and used to convey pure intentions and thoughtfulness.
- Striped Carnations - With their variegated appearance, striped carnations signify refusal or regret, often indicating that someone cannot be with you.
WaterPinks, the common name for Dianthus 'Calypso Star', prefer to be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It's important to water thoroughly until water comes out of the drainage holes, approximately once a week, using about one gallon of water for an outdoor plant in a medium-sized pot. Reduce watering frequency during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing. Overwatering or allowing the plant to sit in water will cause root rot, so it is vital to ensure the soil has good drainage.
LightPinks thrive best in full sun, meaning they need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. A south-facing garden bed is ideal, as it gives them the ample sunshine they require. However, in areas with very hot summers, some afternoon shade can help prevent the flowers from fading too quickly.
TemperaturePinks are hardy in a range of temperatures and can tolerate temperatures down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal growing temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Extreme heat above 85 degrees Fahrenheit can cause the plant to become dormant or may stress the plant and diminish blooming.
PruningPinks should be pruned to encourage bushy growth and to remove spent blooms, which encourages new flowers. Deadheading, or cutting off the faded flowers, can be done throughout the blooming season. More extensive pruning to shape the plant or reduce size should be done in early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Carnation 'Calypso Star' is well-draining with a good mix of organic matter like compost or peat moss. The soil should be slightly alkaline to neutral, with an ideal pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mixture of garden soil, peat, and coarse sand is suitable to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingCarnations like 'Calypso Star' generally do not require frequent repotting and can do well if repotted every 2-3 years. The best time to repot is in the spring before new growth begins. Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the previous one.
Humidity & MistingCarnation 'Calypso Star' prefers moderate humidity levels. The plant does well in typical indoor humidity conditions but avoid extremely high humidity as it can promote fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with well-drained soil and space for air flow.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Dianthus 'Calypso Star', commonly known as the Calypso Star Carnation, begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, generally in late spring or early summer. After germination, the seedling stage follows, where the plant develops its initial roots and shoots. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it develops a fuller set of leaves and begins to establish a stronger root system. The next stage is the flowering period, which is characterized by the blossoming of the signature pink, red, or white flowers commonly associated with carnations. This stage occurs in the late spring or early summer and may continue throughout the growing season if conditions are favorable. Eventually, the plant matures and, if allowed to go to seed, will produce seeds before entering a period of dormancy in preparation for the colder months, completing its annual or biennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Dianthus 'Calypso Star', commonly known as Pinks, is most commonly propagated through stem cuttings. This method involves taking 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) cuttings from non-flowering stems in late spring to early summer. The base of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. Afterward, the cuttings are placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that a few leaf nodes are buried beneath the soil surface. To retain humidity around the cuttings, you can cover them with a plastic bag or place them in a propagator but ensure to ventilate regularly to prevent rot. With proper care, the cuttings typically root within a few weeks, after which they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
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