Sweet William Dianthus 'Houndspool Ruby' (p)
ABOUT
Dianthus 'Houndspool Ruby' (p), also known as the carnation, is a striking perennial that boasts a vivid array of colors. The most striking feature of this plant is its flowers, which are a deep, ruby red. The blooms have a frilly, ruffled texture, with each petal delicately edged, lending a lacy appearance. These flowers characteristically exude a spicy fragrance that is often associated with carnations, filling the air with a delightful scent. The leaves of the Dianthus 'Houndspool Ruby' are slender and long, possessing a grayish-green hue that contrasts nicely with the richness of the blooms. This foliage forms a neat mound or tuft, which serves as a lush backdrop for the vibrant flowers. The plant produces a generous number of flowers, creating an eye-catching display when in full bloom. In summary, the visual appeal of the Dianthus 'Houndspool Ruby' lies in its dazzling ruby red flowers, their frilled edges, their spicy aroma, and the backdrop of grayish-green foliage that completes the ensemble.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Cheddar Pink, Carnation, Sweet William
Common names
Dianthus 'Houndspool Ruby'
ToxicityTo humans
Dianthus, commonly known as carnations or pinks, is not considered toxic to humans. Generally, if a carnation is ingested accidentally by a person, it is not expected to cause serious problems. However, it is always recommended to avoid eating ornamental plants, as individual reactions can vary, and they are not intended for consumption.
To pets
Carnations are mildly toxic to pets. If ingested by animals such as cats or dogs, they may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea. It is advised to keep carnations out of reach of pets to avoid these potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Flower color
Ruby-red
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances garden aesthetics: Dianthus 'Houndspool Ruby' (p), commonly known as the Carnation, adds a vibrant splash of ruby red to garden spaces with its striking flowers.
- Attracts pollinators: The Carnation's vivid blossoms attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Long flowering period: Carnations typically have a long blooming season, which ensures that your garden stays colorful for an extended period of time.
- Edible petals: The petals of some Carnation varieties are edible and can be used to add color and flavor to salads, desserts, and drinks.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, Carnations are relatively drought-resistant, making them a good choice for gardens in drier climates.
- Easy to grow: Carnations are not particularly demanding plants, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Good for cutting: The sturdy stems and long-lasting flowers make Carnations ideal for cutting and using in floral arrangements.
- Versatile landscaping: Carnations can be used in various garden designs, including borders, rock gardens, and containers.
- Low maintenance: Carnations generally require minimal care beyond the occasional watering and deadheading to promote further blooming.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Craft Projects: The vibrant petals of Dianthus can be pressed and used in scrapbooking or homemade greeting cards to add a pop of natural color.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The flowers of Dianthus can be boiled to extract a natural dye that can impart shades of pink or red to fabrics.
- Perfume Making: The sweet fragrance of Dianthus flowers can be captured in homemade perfumes or scented oils through infusion processes.
- Culinary Decoration: The edible petals of Dianthus can be candied or used fresh as a delicate garnish on desserts and cakes.
- Candle Making: The petals can be incorporated into the wax of homemade candles for an aesthetic touch and subtle fragrance release as the candle burns.
- Floral Water: Dianthus flowers can be steeped in water to create a lightly scented floral water for use in homemade cosmetics or room sprays.
- Photography Prop: The striking blooms can serve as an excellent prop or backdrop for macro and still-life photography.
- Garden Mulch: Once spent, Dianthus flowers and foliage can be used as colorful, organic mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Companion Planting: Dianthus may help deter some pests when planted alongside vegetables, thus offering a form of natural pest control.
- Teaching Tool: The distinctive layered petals of Dianthus provide an opportunity to teach children or gardening enthusiasts about plant structure and pollination.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dianthus, known for its bright flowers and pleasant fragrance, can be used in Feng Shui to introduce vibrant yang energy into an area, promoting love and harmony. Place them in the Southwest area of your garden or home to enhance romantic relationships.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dianthus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: Dianthus is often associated with love and affection, with its rich colors and pleasant fragrance symbolizing deep emotional bonds.
- Boldness: The vibrant ruby color of 'Houndspool Ruby' suggests confidence and boldness, representing a daring or pioneering spirit.
- Pure affection: In Victorian times, dianthus flowers, including carnations, were used to communicate pure love and fascination.
- Distinction: The unique and striking appearance of 'Houndspool Ruby' indicates a sense of individuality and standing out from the crowd.
- Protection: Carnations have been thought to symbolize protection, with their petals historically used in garlands and decor to ward off negative energies.
WaterCarnations require even moisture and should not be allowed to dry out completely, nor should they be waterlogged. A good approach is to water your Dianthus 'Houndspool Ruby' thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which could be about once or twice a week, depending on the climate and weather conditions. When watering, aim for about one gallon per square foot every week, which ensures deep watering that promotes strong root growth. Avoid overhead watering to prevent foliar diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant early in the day to allow any splashes on foliage to dry out.
LightCarnations thrive in full sun conditions, enjoying at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for your Dianthus 'Houndspool Ruby' would be a location where it receives morning sun and partial shade during the hottest part of the afternoon. Ensuring adequate sunlight is crucial for robust growth and vibrant blooms.
TemperatureCarnations prefer a moderate temperature range and thrive best when daytime temperatures are between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Dianthus 'Houndspool Ruby' can tolerate temperatures down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit and up to around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to avoid extreme heat or cold as this can stress the plant and hinder growth or flowering.
PruningPruning carnations promotes healthy growth and encourages more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage additional blooming throughout the growing season. Perform a more significant pruning in late winter or early spring, cutting back the foliage to within a few inches above the ground to maintain a compact shape and rejuvenate the plant. The best time for major pruning is just before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Sweet William prefers well-draining, loamy or sandy soil with a slightly alkaline pH between 6.75 and 7.5. A good soil mix for Sweet William would include two parts loam or garden soil, one part sand, and one part compost or well-rotted manure to add fertility and improve drainage.
RepottingSweet William typically does not require frequent repotting. It's best to repot once every 1-2 years or when the plant seems to outgrow its current container or the soil appears exhausted.
Humidity & MistingSweet William thrives best in average humidity conditions found in most home environments; it does not require any special humidity level adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun and proper drainage for indoors Sweet William growth.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and space adequately outdoors.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Dianthus 'Houndspool Ruby', commonly known as Cheddar Pink or Houndspool Ruby Dianthus, begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown, usually in late winter to early spring. Germination occurs within a few weeks in the right conditions, which include light, well-drained soil and warmth. Seedlings emerge and develop true leaves, at which point they can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions if started indoors. The plant enters its vegetative stage, producing a mound of narrow, green to blue-green leaves and sturdy stems. Flowering typically occurs in late spring to early summer, showcasing the plant’s signature deep ruby red, fragrant flowers with frilled edges. After blooming, if deadheaded, the plant may produce a second flush of flowers; as fall approaches, Houndspool Ruby Dianthus becomes dormant, though it is a perennial and will regrow from its root system the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Dianthus 'Houndspool Ruby', more commonly known as Pink, can be propagated by using semi-ripe cuttings. This method is typically done during the late summer months. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener would take a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) long stem segment, ensuring that at least two leaf nodes are present. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cut end of the stem can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Then, the cutting is planted in a pot containing a mix of half perlite and half peat to provide excellent drainage and moisture retention. The cutting should be kept under indirect sunlight and maintained in a humid environment until roots have formed, which generally takes a few weeks. Once rooted, it can be transplanted to a more permanent location in the garden or larger pot.
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