Pink Dianthus 'Devon Louise' (PBR) (p)

Water

Pink Dianthus, commonly known as 'Devon Louise,' should be watered deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In general, this might mean watering once every week, but frequency can vary depending on weather conditions and soil type. Aim to provide the plants with approximately 1 gallon of water per square foot every time you water, ensuring that the moisture reaches the roots without leaving the soil waterlogged. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently, whereas in cooler, wetter periods, less watering is required. It’s important to avoid overhead watering to prevent foliage diseases; so water at the base of the plant instead.

Light

Pink Dianthus thrives best in full sun, so it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for growing 'Devon Louise' in your garden would be an area that gets unfiltered sunlight for most of the day. If grown indoors, a south-facing window is typically the best location to meet the plant’s light requirements.

Temperature

Pink Dianthus is quite temperature tolerant and can survive a range of conditions. These plants prefer cooler climates and do best when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can tolerate temperatures down to freezing and up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged exposure to temperatures outside this range, especially high heat, can impair their growth and flowering.

Pruning

Pink Dianthus should be pruned to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. After the first flush of flowers has finished, cut back the stems by one-third to encourage a second bloom. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for the Pink plant (Dianthus 'Devon Louise') is a well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter like compost. The ideal soil pH for Dianthus is slightly alkaline, ranging from 7.0 to 7.5. A blend of two parts garden soil, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost or aged manure will provide the drainage and nutrients that Pinks need.

Repotting

Pinks (Dianthus 'Devon Louise') typically do not need frequent repotting and can often stay in the same pot for several years. However, if you notice the plant becoming root-bound or the soil degrading, repot it in the spring every 2-3 years using the recommended soil mix.

Humidity & Misting

Pinks (Dianthus 'Devon Louise') prefer moderate humidity levels and do not require high humidity. These plants do well in the average humidity found in most homes and gardens, without the need for additional humidity measures.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure sunny spot, well-draining soil, and water when dry.

• Outdoor

  Place in full sun, well-drained area, water sparingly.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Dianthus 'Devon Louise', commonly known as Pink 'Devon Louise', begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown, germinates to produce small seedlings. These seedlings then develop a root system and foliage as they grow into vegetative plants. Over time, the plants reach maturity and produce distinctive flowers, characterized by their frilled edges and sweet fragrance, typically blooming in late spring to early summer. After pollination, which can be aided by insects like bees and butterflies, seeds are produced within the spent flower for propagation if conditions permit. Throughout summer and into autumn, these perennials may continue to bloom intermittently. Finally, as temperatures drop in late autumn, the plant enters a dormant state to conserve energy for the ensuing growing season, though depending on the climate, it may remain evergreen.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Dianthus 'Devon Louise', commonly known as Pink, is typically propagated by cuttings to ensure the new plants retain the characteristics of the parent. The best time to take cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener would select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a section 4 to 6 inches long just below a node. This cutting should then be stripped of its lower leaves, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then inserted into a moist, well-draining soil mix, ensuring at least one node is below the surface. A plastic cover or dome can be placed over the cutting to maintain humidity, and it should be kept in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. With proper care, roots will typically develop in a few weeks, at which point the cutting can be transplanted.