Carnation Dianthus Lady Madonna = 'Wp04 Opal' (PBR) (p)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Dianthus Lady Madonna, also known simply as "Lady Madonna," is adorned with a dazzling display of flowers. The blooms are distinctive with their ruffled edges that create a sense of richness and depth. Each petal exhibits an elegant palette ranging from pure white to a soft, creamy hue which is often punctuated by a striking, deep crimson eye at the center of the flower. This eye-catching contrast adds a dramatic touch to the appearance of the plant. The leaves of Dianthus Lady Madonna are slender, with a grayish-green color that provides a beautiful backdrop to the showy flowers. This foliage tends to form a neat, low mound or cushion beneath the blooms, adding to the plant's tidy and alluring presence. The leaves themselves are typically linear with a slightly blue-green or glaucous appearance, which contrasts nicely with the bright colors of the blooms. Overall, Lady Madonna is celebrated for its vibrant flowers that can add a pop of color to any garden display. The plant is known for its luscious appearance and the timeless charm of its blooms, which often carry a delightful fragrance that can sweeten the air of its surroundings.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Caryophyllaceae
- Synonyms
  Lady Madonna Pinks, Lady Madonna Carnation
- Common names
  Dianthus Lady Madonna = 'Wp04 Opal' (PBR) (p)
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Dianthus, commonly known as Carnation or Pinks, is not considered toxic to humans. These plants are generally recognized as safe. Ingesting parts of the Carnation typically does not lead to poisoning or severe adverse health effects. However, as with any non-food plant, individual sensitivities can vary, and some people might experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort if they ingest parts of the plant.
- To pets
  Dianthus, also known as Carnation or Pinks, is not known to be toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. These flowers are generally considered safe for pets, and ingestion typically does not result in serious illness. Nevertheless, it's always advisable to prevent pets from eating large amounts of any non-food plants, as they can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset or an individual allergic reaction in some pets.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Blue-green
- Flower color
  White
- Height
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Spread
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  6
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Visual Appeal: Dianthus Lady Madonna produces beautiful, fragrant white flowers that enhance the visual aesthetics of gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: It is relatively easy to care for and does not require complex gardening skills, making it ideal for novice gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a good tolerance for dry conditions and requires less frequent watering.
- Long Blooming Season: Offers a long flowering period from late spring to early fall, providing consistent color and interest to gardens.
- Cold Resistance: Exhibits a good degree of cold resistance, making it suitable for planting in cooler climates.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination in the garden ecosystem.
- Versatility: Can be used in various garden settings, including borders, rockeries, and containers, providing flexibility in garden design.
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
- Edible Decorations: The petals of Carnations can be crystallized to make elegant cake decorations, adding both colour and a hint of spice to desserts.
- Flavouring Agents: Carnation petals can be used to infuse a subtle spicy flavour into syrups, wines or vinegars, adding depth to culinary creations.
- Textile Dye: Carnation flowers can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, producing a range of pastel to vibrant tones depending on the mordant used.
- Bookmarks: Dried and pressed Carnation petals can be laminated or embedded into handmade paper to create unique bookmarks.
- Botanical Art: Preserved Carnation blooms can be beautifully arranged in frames to create stunning botanical artwork for home decor.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried Carnation petals serve as biodegradable confetti, adding an eco-conscious touch to weddings and celebrations.
- Plant Dyes for Crafts: Carnation petals can be used to naturally dye homemade playdough or slime for children's craft activities.
- Drawer Fresheners: Dried Carnation petals can fill sachets that act as fragrant fresheners in drawers and closets.
- Bathing Rituals: Petals of Carnations can be added to bathwater or bath bombs for a luxurious and aromatic bathing experience.
- Homemade Potpourri: Dried Carnation flowers can be mixed with other botanicals to create a delightful potpourri that freshens any room.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
Dianthus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
Dianthus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Love: Dianthus flowers, also commonly known as "carnations," have historically been associated with love and affection, with different colors expressing different nuances of love.
- Distinction: The name "dianthus" comes from Greek words "dios" (divine) and "anthos" (flower), signifying the flower's distinguished or noble nature.
- Admiration: Carnations are often given to express admiration and the wonder of someone's achievements or qualities.
- Passion: These flowers symbolize deep feelings and enthusiasm, making them a popular choice for romantic occasions.
- Purity: The white variety of Dianthus, like Lady Madonna, typically represents pure love and good luck, and could indicate a mother's undying love, referencing the "Madonna" in its name.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

10000 - 20000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 1-2 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
For Dianthus 'Lady Madonna', water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which commonly results in watering approximately once a week. During hot, dry periods, this may increase to twice a week. Use a watering can or hose to apply water directly to the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases. Depending on the size of your plant and the weather conditions, an average of 1 gallon of water per week should suffice. Overwintering or cooler periods will require less frequent watering, as the plant's growth slows down.
Light
Dianthus 'Lady Madonna' thrives in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight per day is best. The ideal spot would guarantee morning sunlight and some afternoon shade in very hot climates. Ensuring bright light will contribute to vigorous growth and optimal blooming.
Temperature
Pink 'Lady Madonna' prefers moderate temperatures and can generally tolerate a range from 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal temperature range for active growth and flowering is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can survive brief periods of colder temperatures down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but sustained frost or heat above 85 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental.
Pruning
Pruning Dianthus 'Lady Madonna' is essential for promoting bushy growth and continuous blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage new buds. Additionally, a more thorough pruning should be done in early spring to remove dead or weak stems, shaping the plant for the new season's growth.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Dianthus, commonly known as 'Lady Madonna', thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH between 6.7 and 7.5. Its ideal soil mix consists of equal parts garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite to ensure adequate drainage and fertility.
Repotting
'Lady Madonna' Dianthus typically requires repotting every 1-2 years. Choose a pot that's one size larger than the current one to allow for growth, usually in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Humidity & Misting
'Lady Madonna' Dianthus prefers moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%. Avoid overly humid conditions as this can promote fungal diseases which the plant is susceptible to.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  For indoor Dianthus, provide bright light and good air circulation.
- Outdoor
  Place outdoor Dianthus in full sun and well-draining soil.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
Dianthus Lady Madonna, commonly known as Carnation or Pink, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when planted in well-drained soil under full sun, germinates to produce a small sprout. This sprout develops into a vegetative plant with a sturdy stem, narrow leaves, and a deep root system. Following the vegetative stage, the plant enters the reproductive phase where flower buds form, eventually blossoming into the characteristic fragrant flowers this cultivar is known for, with colors ranging from white to pink shades. After pollination, which can be aided by insects such as bees, the flowers produce seeds, thereby completing the cycle of reproduction. Over time, the plant will reach maturity, where its growth slows, and it may produce fewer blooms. Finally, as with all perennials, the Carnation enters a period of dormancy during colder months, regenerating and blooming again in the following growing season.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Summer
- Dianthus Lady Madonna, commonly known as the 'Opal' dianthus, is typically propagated through stem cuttings. This process involves taking a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) cutting from a healthy, non-flowering stem during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cutting should be made just below a node, which is the point on the stem where leaves emerge. The lower leaves are then removed and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept moist and out of direct sunlight until roots have developed, which usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks. After the roots are established, the new Dianthus plants can be transplanted to their final location.