Carnation Dianthus 'Houndspool Cheryl' (p)

👤 Non-toxic to humans
🐾 Non-toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Easy-care
pink 'Houndspool Cheryl'

ABOUT

The Dianthus 'Houndspool Cheryl' is a charming garden plant that displays a flurry of attractive features. This variety is recognized for its beautiful flowers, which frequently exhibit a lovely pink hue that can range from soft pastels to more intense shades. The blooms have a classic, sweet fragrance that is typical of many in the Dianthus family. Each flower has five petals that are often finely serrated or fringed at the edges, giving them a delicate lacey appearance. In the center of the flowers, you might notice a contrasting pattern or eye, which adds to their ornamental appeal. The foliage of 'Houndspool Cheryl' is slender and bluish-green, forming a neat clump that provides a contrasting backdrop to its vibrant flowers. The leaves are narrow, and their tips can be pointed or somewhat rounded. Throughout its blooming period, this plant becomes a focal point in gardens and landscapes, attracting butterflies and other pollinators. Its foliage tends to remain attractive even when the plant is not in flower, making it a valuable addition for continuous visual interest. The overall appearance of 'Houndspool Cheryl' exudes an old-world charm that complements various garden styles, from cottage gardens to modern minimalist landscapes.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Caryophyllaceae

    • Synonyms

      Cheddar Pink, Carnation, Sweet William

    • Common names

      Dianthus 'Houndspool Cheryl'

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      Carnations, belonging to the genus Dianthus, are not considered toxic to humans. They do not typically cause poisoning when touched or ingested in small amounts. However, if a person were to ingest a large quantity of the plant, considering that any non-food plant material can be potentially irritating to the digestive system, they might experience discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. There is no specific toxicity attributed to Dianthus 'Houndspool Cheryl', and it is typically safe around adults and children when normal interaction is concerned.

    • To pets

      Carnations, which include Dianthus 'Houndspool Cheryl', are considered mildly toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. If a pet ingests part of a carnation, symptoms of mild gastrointestinal upset may occur, which could include vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. In some instances, there could also be dermatitis if there is skin contact with a sensitive animal. It is not commonly associated with severe poisoning, but ingestion of plant material should still be avoided to prevent any potential distress or discomfort for pets.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Evergreen

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Flower color

      Varies

    • Height

      1 foot (30 cm)

    • Spread

      1 foot (30 cm)

    • Plant type

      Herb

    • Hardiness zones

      Varies

    • Native area

      Varies

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Ornamental Appeal: Dianthus 'Houndspool Cheryl' offers a visually pleasing aesthetic with attractive flowers and foliage, enhancing garden design.
    • Long Flowering Season: This cultivar typically has a long bloom period, providing color and interest in the garden for an extended time.
    • Fragrance: The flowers of this Dianthus emit a pleasant scent that can add an aromatherapy aspect to gardens and outdoor spaces.
    • Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it a suitable choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
    • Drought Tolerance: It is relatively drought-tolerant, which is especially beneficial in regions with water restrictions or lower rainfall.
    • Attracts Pollinators: Dianthus flowers can attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies to the garden, promoting pollination.
    • Versatility: Suitable for various garden settings including borders, containers, and rockeries, offering flexibility in garden design.
    • Cold Hardy: This plant is capable of withstanding cooler temperatures, making it a suitable perennial for many climates.
    • Deer Resistance: Often resistant to deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer predation is a common issue for gardeners.
    • Cutting Garden: The flowers can be cut and used in floral arrangements, adding a fresh and personal touch to home décor.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • Adding color to salads: The petals of Dianthus 'Houndspool Cheryl' can be used to create a visually appealing garnish on salads, imparting a splash of color without altering the taste significantly.
    • Flower confetti: Dried petals can serve as biodegradable confetti for celebrations, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic confetti.
    • Decorative ice cubes: Freezing petals into ice cubes can create an aesthetic touch for specialty drinks and cocktails served at parties or events.
    • Natural dye: The petals can be boiled to extract their color, which can be used as a natural dye for textiles or crafting projects.
    • Floral crafts: Fresh or dried, the flowers can be used in crafting, such as in making soaps, candles, and potpourri for scent and decoration.
    • Flower pressing: The blooms are suitable for pressing and can be used in creating floral art, bookmarks, or decorative phone cases.
    • Book scenting: Petals can be placed within the pages of books to impart a subtle fragrance to the paper.
    • Garden design: The plant itself can be used as a border or an accent in rock gardens, providing structure and color contrast to the landscape.
    • Educational tool: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach about plant life cycles, pollination, and the importance of biodiversity.
    • Soil health indicator: Observing the health and vitality of Dianthus 'Houndspool Cheryl' in a garden setting can offer insights into soil conditions and overall garden health.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The Carnation is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The Carnation is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Love: The Dianthus genus, commonly known as Carnation or Pink, often symbolizes love and affection. The 'Houndspool Cheryl' shares this symbolism, conveying feelings of deep personal attachment and love.
    • Distinction: Carnations are sometimes associated with the concept of distinction or admiration. When given as a gift, 'Houndspool Cheryl' can symbolize someone's personal standout qualities that make them unique.
    • Fascination: The intricate patterns and bright colors of many Dianthus flowers, including the 'Houndspool Cheryl', are associated with fascination and captivation, representing the awe and interest that others may inspire in us.
    • Devotion: Carnations can symbolize a strong sense of devotion whether in romantic relationships or among family and friends, making 'Houndspool Cheryl' a suitable representation of loyalty and commitment.

💧
Every 1-2 weeks
Water
☀️
10000 - 20000 Lux
Light
💦️
50%
Humidity
🪴
Every 2-3 years
Repotting
🌱️
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning

  • water dropWater

    The Carnation 'Houndspool Cheryl' prefers consistent moisture but does not like to be waterlogged. It should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which might mean watering once or twice a week depending on local weather conditions. Using a watering can or hose, apply water directly to the soil to avoid wetting the foliage, as damp leaves can encourage disease. Aim for about one gallon of water per plant each time you water, ensuring it reaches the roots where it's most needed.

  • sunLight

    Carnations such as 'Houndspool Cheryl' thrive in a location with full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. When planted outdoors, choose a spot in the garden that is not shaded by trees or buildings to ensure it gets ample light. If grown indoors, place it near a sunny window where it can benefit from the morning or afternoon sun.

  • thermometerTemperature

    Carnations like 'Houndspool Cheryl' perform best in temperate conditions and can generally tolerate temperatures down to about 15°F and up to 80°F. For optimal growth, maintain an environment where the temperature ranges between 60°F and 70°F. They can survive brief periods of colder and warmer temperatures, but prolonged exposure to extremes can be detrimental to the plant’s health.

  • scissorsPruning

    Pruning is essential for Carnation 'Houndspool Cheryl' to encourage more vigorous growth and flower production. It should be done after the first flush of blooms has faded, usually in late summer or early fall. Remove dead or spent flowers and any damaged or diseased stems, cutting back to a healthy set of leaves. Pruning not only keeps the plant looking tidy but also stimulates new growth for the next flowering season.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    The best soil mix for the common Carnation should be well-draining and fertile with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, ideally between 6.7 and 7.5. A mixture of loam, compost, and sharp sand or perlite can provide the appropriate structure and nutrients.

  • plantRepotting

    Carnations do not need frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every 2 to 3 years; ensure to refresh the soil and check for size increase.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Carnations prefer moderate to low humidity levels; they thrive in more arid environments and do not require high humidity.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Place in bright light, keep soil moderately dry.

    • Outdoor

      Full sun, well-draining soil, protect from winter wet.

    • Hardiness zone

      3-9 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    Carnation 'Houndspool Cheryl' begins its life cycle with seed germination, which requires a well-draining soil mix and consistent moisture. Upon germination, seedlings emerge and will need sufficient sunlight and water to establish a strong root system and foliage. As a perennial, once established, it enters a vegetative stage where it develops a rosette of leaves and stems, preparing for flowering. Flowering typically occurs during late spring to early summer, showcasing the plant's fragrant, colorful blooms that attract pollinators. After pollination, seeds develop and are dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. In winter or during harsh conditions, the plant may go dormant, conserving energy to regrow in the following season.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Spring-Early Summer

    • The most popular method of propagation for the Dianthus 'Houndspool Cheryl', commonly known as Pinks, is by cuttings. This is typically done during the late spring or early summer, when the plant's growth is vigorous. You should select healthy, non-flowering stems for this purpose. Cut a piece of stem about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters) long, just below a leaf node. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and ensure the ambient environment is humid to encourage root growth. Within a few weeks under the right conditions, the cutting should develop roots and can eventually be transplanted into the garden or a more permanent container.

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