Pink Dianthus Cracker = 'Wp10 Sab06' (PBR) (Early Bird Series) (p)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Dianthus Cracker, also known as Early Bird Chili, has a vibrant appearance characterized by its striking flowers and dense foliage. The flowers boast a lively mix of pink and red hues, creating an eye-catching effect. Each bloom is neatly edged, often featuring intricate patterns or a frill-like texture that adds a touch of delicacy to the overall robust look of the plant. The foliage complements the flowers with a contrasting green color. The leaves are slender and bluish-green, forming a compact cushion that cradles the vibrant blossoms above. This arrangement creates a lush base for the bold floral display, which stands out against the foliage. The blossoms typically form a cluster, giving the impression of a bouquet atop the foliage. The overall appearance of Dianthus Cracker is one of vivid color, rich textures, and a harmonious blend of foliage and flower, with each element contributing to the plant's ornamental appeal. It's a favorite in garden settings for its enduring and charming visual impact.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Caryophyllaceae.
- Synonyms
  Common Pink, Garden Pink, Early Bird Chili.
- Common names
  Dianthus 'Wp10 Sab06'
Toxicity
- To humans
  The plant commonly known as Dianthus generally has a low level of toxicity for humans. Most species of Dianthus are considered non-toxic, and there are no widespread reports of serious effects from ingesting parts of these plants. However, as with many ornamental plants, it is still advised not to consume them, as they are not intended for human consumption and can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- To pets
  The plant commonly known as Dianthus is generally considered to be of low toxicity to pets. Ingesting parts of the plant might cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals, such as vomiting or diarrhea, but it is not known to be seriously toxic. As with any non-food plant, it is best to prevent pets from ingesting ornamental plants to avoid any potential adverse effects.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Biennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  1 feet (0.30 meters)
- Spread
  1 feet (0.30 meters)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  6
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Extended flowering period - Dianthus 'Early Bird' has a longer blooming season than many perennials, providing color from spring to fall.
- Low maintenance - The plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep beyond occasional deadheading to promote further blooms.
- Cold hardy - It is capable of withstanding cooler temperatures, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
- Drought-tolerant - Once established, it has good resistance to short periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Compact growth habit - Its tidy, mounded form makes it ideal for borders, small gardens, or as container plants.
- Attracts pollinators - The flowers attract butterflies and bees, which are beneficial for pollination in the garden.
- Vibrant colors - The plant offers a variety of colors that can brighten any garden space.
- Deer resistant - It is not a preferred food source for deer, which can help maintain the beauty of the garden.
- Good for cut flowers - Stems are sturdy and flowers last well in vases, making them suitable for floral arrangements.
- Edging plant - Its compact size and floriferous nature make it an excellent choice for edging paths or garden beds.
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
- Dried Flower Arrangements: The brightly colored flowers of the Dianthus, also known as Pink, can be dried and used in floral arrangements for long-lasting decoration.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The petals of Pink flowers can be used to make a natural dye for coloring fabrics with shades of pink or red.
- Edible Garnish: Pinks are edible, and their petals can be used to add a splash of color and subtle spice to salads or desserts.
- Bookmark Crafting: The flat nature of Pink petals makes them suitable for pressing and using as decorative elements in handmade bookmarks.
- Perfumery: The fragrant flowers of Pinks can be used to infuse natural perfumes or to create potpourris.
- Photography Prop: Pinks can be used as a vibrant, living prop in garden and floral photography.
- Garden Border Art: Creative gardeners can use Pinks to design intricate patterns and borders in garden layouts.
- Art Projects: Pressed Pink flowers can also be incorporated into art projects, such as resin jewelry or mixed media art pieces.
- Aroma Sachets: Dried flowers can be enclosed in small sachets to give clothing or linens a pleasant fragrance.
- Crafting Petal Paper: Dianthus petals can be included in the paper-making process to create decorative paper with floral inclusions.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The plant_name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant_name is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Love: Dianthus flowers are traditionally associated with love due to their heart-like shape, which makes them a popular choice in romantic bouquets and Valentine's Day arrangements.
- Admiration: The blooms are also a symbol of admiration and can convey a message of respect and high regard for someone.
- Passion: Their vibrant colors and rich fragrance relate to emotions of passion and deep affection.
- Purity: The white variety of Dianthus can represent purity and innocence.
- Boldness: The name "Dianthus" goes back to Greek, meaning "the flower of the gods," embodying a sense of boldness and divinity.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

10000 - 20000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 1-2 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Sweet William, as the Dianthus Cracker is commonly known, prefers consistent moisture but does not tolerate waterlogging. Provide the plant with approximately one inch of water per week, but be prepared to adjust this amount during hot, dry spells or rainy periods. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Check the soil moisture level regularly by touching the soil - it should be moist but not soggy. During the winter months, reduce watering as the plant requires less moisture when it is not actively growing.
Light
Sweet William thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is best to place it in a spot where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. The plant can tolerate light shade, especially in the afternoon in regions with very hot summers, but flowering may be reduced in too much shade.
Temperature
Sweet William is cold-hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but ideally should be grown in conditions where temperatures range between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can survive summer temperatures up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged heat can stress the plant. Ensure proper ventilation and shading if necessary during peak summer heat.
Pruning
Prune Sweet William to promote bushy growth, remove spent flowers, and maintain a pleasing shape. Deadheading, or removing the faded blooms, encourages the plant to produce more flowers. Perform a more extensive pruning in late summer or early fall, after the blooming period has finished. This helps to rejuvenate the plant for the following year.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for the Dianthus 'Cracker' (Early Bird Series) should be well-draining with a mix of loam, compost, and coarse sand or perlite. It prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
Repotting
Dianthus 'Cracker' (Early Bird Series) typically does not need to be repotted frequently. Repot every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & Misting
Dianthus 'Cracker' (Early Bird Series) prefers moderate humidity but is adaptable and can tolerate dry air.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Provide full sun, well-draining soil, and moderate water.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun, enriched well-draining soil, water regularly.
- Hardiness zone
  5-9 USDA
Life cycle
The Sweet William 'Early Bird' ('Wp10 Sab06') typically starts its life cycle when seeds are sown in well-drained soil during the spring or summer. Seedlings emerge and establish themselves, forming a rosette of leaves at the base. As the plant grows, it develops sturdy stems and foliage, becoming a perennial plant that can survive through multiple seasons in suitable climates. The Sweet William 'Early Bird' then blooms, likely in late spring to early summer, showcasing its vibrant flowers which can be pink, red, white, or a combination of colors. After flowering, if conditions allow, the plant may produce seeds which, if left to disperse, can give rise to new plants. With the approach of winter, the plant may die back, especially in colder regions, but being a perennial, it can re-emerge from its root system when conditions become favorable in the following spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring
- Propogation: The Dianthus Cracker 'Wp10 Sab06', commonly known as Pinks, is commonly propagated through cuttings. This is a popular method because it is simple and usually has a high success rate. To propagate pinks from cuttings, one should choose healthy, non-flowering stems. These stems are snipped just below a leaf node, typically about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 cm) long. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth, although this is not always necessary. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, kept moist but not water-logged, and covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain high humidity. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be transplanted.