Carnation Dianthus 'Claret Joy' (p)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Dianthus 'Claret Joy' is a captivating plant with a visual charm that is sure to catch the eye. This variety of Dianthus, often referred to as pinks, showcases stunning flowers that make it a popular choice for garden enthusiasts. The blooms are a rich, velvety red, resembling a fine claret wine, often with a lighter or darker accent edge. This striking coloration is complemented by the classic serrated petal edges that are a hallmark of pinks, adding a frilly or ruffled appearance to the flower's profile. The petals often exude a delightful, spicy fragrance, adding another layer of sensory appeal to the plant. This pleasant aroma can fill a garden space, making it a plant that pleases more than just the visual senses. The foliage of Dianthus 'Claret Joy' typically appears in a blue-green tone, forming a dense mat of slender, linear leaves. The contrast between the elegant leaves and the bold flowers creates a pleasing aesthetic, further enhancing the plant's ornamental value. The leaves remain attractive throughout the growing season, providing a lush backdrop for the standout flowers. Throughout its blooming period, the plant will often become a focal point in the garden with its showy display, attracting butterflies and other pollinators, which add to its allure and ecological benefits. With careful tending and the right conditions, this Dianthus variant will likely bestow a spectacular splash of color and charisma to any suitable garden setting.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Pinks, Carnation, Sweet William
- Common names
  Dianthus 'Claret Joy'
Toxicity
- To humans
  Dianthus 'Claret Joy', commonly known as Carnation, is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. There are no significant symptoms of poisoning from ingesting any part of this plant as it is not known for being poisonous to people. However, sensitive individuals may still experience mild discomfort or an allergic reaction if they have sensitivities to plants in the Caryophyllaceae family.
- To pets
  Carnation, specifically the Dianthus 'Claret Joy' variety, does not typically pose any significant toxicity risk to pets. It is not known to be poisonous and ingestion of the plant parts should not cause harmful symptoms of poisoning. However, as with any non-food plant, consumption in large quantities could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, particularly in pets with sensitive stomachs or if they are unaccustomed to eating such materials.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Red
- Height
  1 foot 6 inches (45-50 cm)
- Spread
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  7
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attractive Flowers: Dianthus 'Claret Joy' produces vibrant, deep red flowers that add a pop of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Compact Growth Habit: Its compact size makes it suitable for small gardens, borders, containers, and as ground cover.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant often has an extended blooming period, offering colorful displays from late spring to early fall.
- Low Maintenance: This variety typically requires minimal care, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Fragrance: The flowers of Dianthus generally emit a pleasing spicy clove-like fragrance that can be enjoyed in the garden or as cut flowers indoors.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Dianthus 'Claret Joy' can tolerate periods of dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of withstanding cooler temperatures and can thrive in a range of climate zones.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract butterflies and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
- Deer Resistance: Dianthus plants are known to be deer-resistant, which is beneficial for gardens in areas with deer populations.
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
- Dye Production: The intense hue of the Claret Joy carnation petals can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Crafting Potpourri: Dried carnation petals from Claret Joy can be used to create aromatic potpourri blends that provide a long-lasting fragrance for interiors.
- Scented Sachets: Petals can be enclosed in small fabric pouches to create scented sachets that keep drawers and closets smelling fresh.
- Floral Water: Carnation-infused water can serve as a gentle scent for linens or can be used in ironing water to impart a subtle fragrance to clothes.
- Bookmarks: Pressed Claret Joy carnation flowers can be laminated to create artistic and natural bookmarks.
- Cake Decoration: Edible carnation petals from the Claret Joy variety can add a unique and eye-catching decorative touch to cakes and pastries.
- Garden Mulch: When past their prime, carnation plants can be used as organic mulch to enrich soil and suppress weeds in garden beds.
- Natural Confetti: Dried and crumbled carnation petals can serve as a biodegradable alternative to traditional paper confetti for celebrations.
- Floral Ice Cubes: Frozen carnation petals in ice cubes can embellish cocktails or punch bowls for special occasions.
- Photography Subjects: Due to their rich color and texture, Claret Joy carnations can be excellent subjects for botanical photography and art projects.

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
- Devotion and Love: Dianthus is often associated with love and admiration, making it a popular choice for romantic gestures.
- Boldness and Passion: The rich claret color of 'Claret Joy' symbolizes deep feelings and a strong-willed nature.
- Purity: Despite its deep coloration, Dianthus traditionally carries meanings of purity and innocence.
- Longevity: Dianthus flowers have a long blooming season, representing the concept of a long and happy life.
- Protection: In historical lore, Dianthus was believed to ward off evil spirits, suggesting a symbolism of protection.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The common name for Dianthus 'Claret Joy' is Pinks. Water Pinks deeply to encourage deep root growth, providing about one inch of water once a week during the growing season. Ensure the soil around Pinks drains well and allows the top inch to dry out between waterings. Over-watering or allowing the plants to sit in wet soil can lead to root rot. During periods of hot, dry weather, you might need to water twice a week, but always check the soil moisture first. Reduce watering in the fall and water sparingly during winter if the plant is outdoors, as the plant's water needs decrease significantly.
Light
Pinks prefer full sun to perform best, which means they should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Place them in a spot where they can enjoy the morning sun, which is less harsh than the afternoon sun, and can help prevent issues with overheating or sunburn. However, they are versatile and can tolerate light shade, especially in hotter climates where some afternoon protection can be beneficial.
Temperature
Pinks thrive in moderate temperatures and can tolerate a range from 40 to 80°F, though they grow best between 60 to 70°F. These plants can withstand cold temperatures down to around 20°F, making them suitable for many temperate climates, but they should be protected from extreme cold and frost. In areas with hot summers, it's crucial to ensure they have some afternoon shade to avoid stress from high temperatures.
Pruning
Prune Pinks to encourage bushy growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong flowering throughout the season. Conduct a more thorough pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth begins by removing old, woody stems and any dead or damaged material. Pruning at this time allows for healthier growth and improved air circulation, which helps prevent disease.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for the plant commonly known as Carnation 'Claret Joy' is well-draining, loamy soil with a pH that is slightly alkaline to neutral (6.7 to 7.5). Amend the soil with compost and perlite to improve drainage and aeration.
Repotting
Carnations like 'Claret Joy' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current container, which is often evident when roots start to crowd or poke out of the pot's drainage holes.
Humidity & Misting
Carnations 'Claret Joy' prefer average to low humidity levels, typical of indoor room conditions. They are adaptable and do not require any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place Carnation 'Claret Joy' in bright, indirect light and keep soil well-drained.
- Outdoor
  Plant Carnation 'Claret Joy' in full sun and well-draining soil for best results.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
The life cycle of the Dianthus 'Claret Joy' commonly known as pinks or clove pinks, begins with seed germination, typically occurring in spring or fall under appropriate temperature and soil conditions. Following germination, the seedling stage involves the growth of roots and shoots, as the plant establishes itself. As it matures into the vegetative stage, the plant develops a foliage of slender, blue-green leaves and starts to form a compact, bushy structure. The plant then enters the flowering stage, usually in late spring to early summer, producing prominent, fragrant flowers that range from deep red to purple and are often marked with a contrasting eye. After pollination by insects, the plant may produce small capsules containing seeds, allowing for the propagation stage if conditions are right. Finally, as autumn approaches, the plant may enter a dormancy stage, especially in colder climates, conserving energy for the next growing season.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Dianthus 'Claret Joy', commonly known as Pinks, can be propagated most effectively through cuttings. The best time to take cuttings for propagation is during late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To do so, select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut a 3 to 4 inch (about 7.5 to 10 centimeters) length just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Then, insert the cutting into a moist, well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the leaf nodes are buried. Place the pot in a warm, bright area, avoiding direct sunlight, and maintain the soil moisture. Roots should develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions and eventually transplanted to their final location in the garden.