Pinks Dianthus 'La Bourboule' (p)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Dianthus 'La Bourboule', commonly referred to as Pinks, is a flowering plant notable for its vibrant, showy flowers and inviting fragrance. The flowers are often a rich pink or deep crimson, with petals that can be solid or patterned with varying shades. The edges of the petals have a charming, frilly or serrated appearance that adds to the ornamental appeal of the blooms. Pinks, generally, form dense clusters of flowers, creating a striking visual impact when in full blossom. The foliage of Dianthus 'La Bourboule' stands out with its slender, blue-green leaves. These leaves are typically long, narrow, and have a grass-like appearance, forming a lush mat beneath the flowers. Together, the contrast between the vivid flowers and the cool-toned foilage lends Pinks a classic cottage garden charm. Dianthus 'La Bourboule' exudes a delightful fragrance, which is often described as spicy or clove-scented. This scent is especially strong when the flowers are warmed by the sun, and it can attract pollinators such as butterflies to the garden. The plant’s overall appearance and scent make it an appealing choice for garden borders, rockeries, and for use as a groundcover or in containers, where its stunning flowers and fragrance can be enjoyed up close.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Caryophyllaceae
- Synonyms
  Cheddar Pink, La Bourboule Pink, Garden Pink, Clove Pink, Bourboule Dianthus
- Common names
  Dianthus 'La Bourboule'
Toxicity
- To humans
  Dianthus 'La Bourboule,' more commonly known as pinks, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, if ingested in large quantities, it can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is always recommended to exercise caution and not consume parts of ornamental plants due to possible individual sensitivities or the presence of pesticide residues.
- To pets
  Pinks are generally not regarded as toxic to pets. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal irritation in some animals, with possible symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is advisable to keep an eye on your pet and consult with a veterinarian if you observe any unusual behavior or signs of distress after ingestion.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Blue-green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  6 inches (15 cm)
- Spread
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  Varies
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a splash of color to gardens with its vibrant pink to red flowers.
- Fragrance: Emits a pleasant, spicy scent that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers an extended flowering season from late spring to early fall.
- Attracts Pollinators: Draws in bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a good tolerance to dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once settled, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of withstanding cooler temperatures, which makes it suitable for various climates.
- Versatility: Can be used in borders, rockeries, containers, and as a ground cover, offering diverse landscaping options.
- Deer Resistance: Generally resistant to deer, which helps to prevent damage to flowers and foliage.
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
- Edging for Perennial Beds: Carnations, including Dianthus 'La Bourboule', can serve as a low-growing edging plant, helping to create tidy borders along perennial flower beds or pathways.
- Fragrance Sachets: The petals of carnations can be dried and used in sachets to freshen up closets and drawers with their sweet, spicy scent.
- Natural Dye: Carnation petals can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, yielding various shades of pink and sometimes even a faint yellow depending on the mordant used.
- Floral Arrangements: Carnations are a popular choice for floral arrangements and boutonnieres due to their longevity and the variety of colors they come in.
- Companion Planting: Carnations can be planted alongside vegetables like tomatoes as they are believed to repel certain pests, possibly because of their scent or natural compounds.
- Culinary Garnish: The petals of some carnation varieties are edible and can be used to add color and a mild spicy taste to salads or desserts.
- Bookmark Decoration: Pressed carnation flowers can be used to embellish homemade paper bookmarks, adding a personal touch to a reading accessory.
- Photography Prop: The vivid colors and intricate petal patterns of carnations can be used by photographers as a natural prop to enhance the composition of their images.
- Handmade Soaps: Dried carnation petals can be incorporated into homemade soaps for exfoliation, fragrance, and visual appeal.
- Creative Crafts: The flowers of carnations can be used in various crafts, such as making floral crowns, wreaths, or even as part of homemade paper-making projects.

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
- Divine Love: The name "Dianthus" is derived from the Greek words 'dios,' meaning divine, and 'anthos,' meaning flower. Dianthus 'La Bourboule' symbolizes divine or godly love.
- Admiration: Dianthus flowers, commonly known as pinks or carnations, often express admiration when given to another person. These blooms represent the admiration of one's grace or talent.
- Pure Affection: Carnations convey feelings of pure love and affection, as their long-lasting nature is attributed to deep, enduring emotional bonds.
- Boldness: The vivid colors and spicy fragrance of pinks like Dianthus 'La Bourboule' suggest boldness and a daring spirit.
- Protection: Historically, Dianthus was believed to provide protection and was often planted in gardens to ward off evil spirits.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

50%

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
For the Sweet William, it's essential to maintain a balance with watering, as it prefers evenly moist soil without being waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant thoroughly once a week with about one gallon of water per square yard, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply to reach the roots. In periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to twice a week. Reduce watering during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing, but do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering.
Light
Sweet William thrives in full sunlight, which means it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and flowering. A location that receives morning sun and some light afternoon shade can also be suitable, particularly in regions with intense midday heat. Avoid placing it in deep shade as this can impede flowering and make the plant prone to fungal diseases.
Temperature
Sweet William is quite hardy and can tolerate a temperature range from approximately 40°F to 85°F. However, the ideal temperature range for this plant to flourish is between 60°F and 70°F. While it can survive a light frost, prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing can damage or kill the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Sweet William is necessary to encourage bushier growth and abundant blooms. After the initial flowering in late spring or early summer, cut back the spent flowers to just above a set of leaves to promote a second bloom. Perform a more thorough pruning in the fall, cutting the plants back by one-third to prepare them for winter and next year's growth. Pruning should be done annually, and whenever the plant appears leggy or overgrown.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Carnations prefer well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. An ideal soil mix for Dianthus 'La Bourboule' could be composed of one part garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or sand to ensure good drainage.
Repotting
Carnations, including Dianthus 'La Bourboule', generally need to be repotted every 1-2 years, or when they outgrow their current container, to ensure continued healthy growth.
Humidity & Misting
Carnations like Dianthus 'La Bourboule' do best in average room humidity levels; too high humidity can encourage fungal diseases.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and regular watering.
- Outdoor
  Choose sunny spot, plant in well-drained soil, water regularly.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
The Dianthus 'La Bourboule', also known as the Pink, starts its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in moist, well-drained soil, typically in spring or autumn. After germination, the seedling develops into a young plant with a compact cluster of foliage. The Pink then enters a vegetative growth phase, during which it establishes a strong root system and dense foliage. Following this, the plant enters the flowering stage, likely in late spring to summer, producing fragrant, colorful flowers that attract pollinators and may be cut for arrangements. After flowering, the plant produces seeds which can be collected for propagation or left to self-sow. Lastly, the Pink may enter a period of dormancy in the winter, especially in cooler climates, before resuming its growth cycle in the following spring with new vegetative growth.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Propogation: Dianthus 'La Bourboule', commonly known as Pink, is a perennial that can be propagated primarily through stem cuttings. The best time for this method is during the early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate Pink from cuttings, take healthy, non-flowering stems about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length, ensuring each cutting has at least a couple of leaf nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Then, plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix, keeping them in a warm, humid environment with indirect sunlight. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions before transplanting.