Carnation Dianthus 'Inshriach Dazzler' (p)
ABOUT
The Dianthus 'Inshriach Dazzler', also commonly known as Pinks, is a visually striking ornamental plant with a vibrant appearance. Its flowers stand out with a medley of bright colors, typically ranging from deep pink to red hues, and are often adorned with intricate patterns such as frilled or serrated edges, which add to their visual appeal. The blossoms have a pleasant, sweet fragrance that is widely enjoyed and contributes to their popularity in gardens. The foliage of the Dianthus 'Inshriach Dazzler' is also distinctive, with slender leaves that exhibit a blue-green or grayish-green color, creating a lovely contrast against the vivid flowers. Together, the flowers and foliage form a dense and lush overall texture that is highly sought after for ornamental displays. While known for their aesthetic qualities and used commonly in garden beds, borders, and as decorative potted plants, specific details regarding the size of the Dianthus 'Inshriach Dazzler' have been intentionally omitted from this description.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Synonyms
Pinks, Carnations, Sweet William
Common names
Dianthus 'Inshriach Dazzler' (p).
- Toxicity
To humans
The plant commonly known as Sweet William is not considered toxic to humans. If ingested in large quantities, it could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset like nausea or diarrhea, but it is generally regarded as safe.
To pets
Sweet William is also not regarded as toxic to pets. However, as with any plant material, if a pet ingests a large amount, it might experience mild gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is always a good practice to prevent pets from consuming plants as individual animals might have unique sensitivities.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Enhanced Garden Aesthetics: The Dianthus 'Inshriach Dazzler', commonly known as Pink, adds vibrant color and visual interest to garden landscapes with its bright, colorful flowers.
- Low Maintenance: Pinks are known for being hardy and requiring minimal care, making them a convenient choice for busy gardeners or those new to gardening.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Pinks have good tolerance to dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long Blooming Period: Pinks often have a lengthy flowering season, providing extended periods of color in the garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of the Dianthus 'Inshriach Dazzler' attract butterflies and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Suitable for borders, rock gardens, and containers, Pinks offer flexibility in garden design.
- Fragrance: Pinks are known for their delightful fragrance, which can add an extra sensory dimension to gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Cold Hardy: Pinks can tolerate cooler temperatures, making them a practical choice for gardens in temperate climates.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms of the Dianthus 'Inshriach Dazzler' make excellent cut flowers for arrangements due to their beauty and staying power.
- 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 Source: The petals of Dianthus can be used to create a natural dye, which is suitable for tinting fabrics or other materials in shades of pink to red.
- Edible Decorations: The vibrant and edible flowers of the Dianthus can serve as a decorative and edible addition to cakes, salads, and desserts.
- Garden Bordering: Dianthus plants are commonly used for border planting due to their compact growth and variety of colors.
- Aromatic Sachets: The scented flowers of Dianthus are perfect for creating sachets that can freshen up drawers and closets.
- Bookmarks: Dried Dianthus flowers are thin and can be used to create unique and fragrant bookmarks.
- Plant-based Potpourri: Dry the petals and mix with other fragrant plants to create a lovely, homemade potpourri.
- Culinary Oil Infusions: The petals of Dianthus can be infused into oils to add a subtly sweet and spicy flavor to culinary creations.
- Floral Arrangement Filler: Dianthus flowers are often used as filler in floral arrangements to provide texture and color.
- Photography Props: Dianthus plants can be used as photogenic subjects or backdrops in plant and garden photography.
- Special Occasion Confetti: Biodegradable and eco-friendly confetti made from dried Dianthus petals can be used at weddings and other celebrations.
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
- Love: Dianthus commonly symbolizes love and affection, possibly due to its heart-shaped flowers, making it an appropriate gift for romantic occasions.
- Admiration: The vibrant colors of Dianthus 'Inshriach Dazzler' convey admiration and can be a way to express high esteem for someone's talents or qualities.
- Pure affection: Pink flowers, like the ones of the Dianthus, are often associated with a gentler affection than red, expressing platonic love or the love between friends.
- Boldness: The 'Inshriach Dazzler' with its striking appearance can represent boldness or daring, reflecting how its bright colors stand out in a garden.
- Divine love: Some cultures attribute Dianthus flowers to the divine, symbolizing the everlasting love of the gods or spiritual devotion.
- Fertility: Historically, some species of Dianthus were associated with fertility and were incorporated into gardens and ceremonies with this symbolism.
- Water
Carnations require watering that keeps their soil moist but not waterlogged. Water your Dianthus 'Inshriach Dazzler' thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to touch, which may be approximately once a week. Avoid overhead watering to prevent the foliage from getting too wet, as this can lead to fungal diseases. During hot weather, you might need to water the plant more frequently, possibly every few days. A good practice would be to provide the equivalent of 1 gallon of water per week, adjusting as necessary for temperature and rainfall conditions.
- Light
Carnations thrive best in full sunlight conditions, where they receive at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Place your Dianthus 'Inshriach Dazzler' in a spot where it can bask in plenty of light without being shaded for long periods. If grown indoors, a south-facing window would be ideal to provide sufficient sunlight for healthy growth.
- Temperature
Carnations prefer a temperate range, with ideal conditions being between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants can typically survive minimum temperatures down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure outside their comfort range might cause stress. Ensure that your Dianthus 'Inshriach Dazzler' is planted in an area that avoids extreme temperature fluctuations for optimal growth.
- Pruning
Pruning carnations is essential for promoting bushy growth and preventing legginess. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. For your Dianthus 'Inshriach Dazzler', cut back stems that have finished flowering to within a few inches of the ground in late summer or early fall. This will also help maintain the plant's shape and size. Pruning is best done after the main blooming period but before the onset of winter.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Pinks prefer well-drained and slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.7 to 7.5. A mix with loam, compost, and coarse sand or perlite is ideal to provide good drainage and fertility.
- Repotting
Pinks, such as Dianthus 'Inshriach Dazzler', generally require repotting every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
- Humidity & Misting
Dianthus 'Inshriach Dazzler' prefers moderate humidity levels, but being drought-tolerant, the plant can also handle dry air conditions well.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright light, ensure good air flow.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained area, space 6-12 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Dianthus 'Inshriach Dazzler', commonly known as Pink, begins its life cycle as a seed sown in late winter to early spring into well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight exposure. Germination occurs over a period of a few weeks, given the right temperature and moisture conditions. Following germination, the seedlings grow and develop into young plants, and by the late spring or early summer, they start to form a dense clump of grey-green foliage. Throughout the summer months, the Dianthus 'Inshriach Dazzler' blossoms, producing vibrant pink flowers with a strong, sweet fragrance, known for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After the flowering period, the plant may produce seeds, which can be collected for propagation or left to self-sow, before entering a dormant stage in the fall as temperatures drop. Over the course of the plant's life, which can be several years, it may require division every few years to maintain vigor and continue its cycle.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Dianthus 'Inshriach Dazzler', commonly known as Pinks, is best propagated by taking stem cuttings. This is often done in late spring through early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. You would take a cutting of about 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm), making sure there's a node on the cutting as this is where roots will develop. Strip the bottom leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Then, plant the cutting into a mix of perlite and peat, ensuring the node is buried. Water the cuttings and place them in a warm, well-lit spot, but out of direct sunlight to avoid scorching. Roots typically develop in 2-3 weeks, at which point the cuttings can be transplanted to a more permanent location.