Sweet William Dianthus Lily the Pink = 'Wp05 Idare' (PBR) (p)
ABOUT
Dianthus Lily the Pink 'Wp05 Idare' is a striking plant known for its distinctive flowers and foliage. The flowers are the most eye-catching feature, displaying a radiant pink hue that can bring a splash of color to any garden. These flowers have a frilled edge which adds a touch of elegance to their appearance, and they typically showcase a darker center or eye which creates a lovely contrast against the lighter petals. The blooms are also known for their fragrance, which can be quite pronounced and adds an additional sensory experience to the plant's display. The foliage of this variety of Dianthus is narrow and spiky, providing a perfect backdrop that is usually a bluish-green color. This contrast between the foliage and the vibrant pink blooms makes the plant even more appealing. Overall, Dianthus Lily the Pink 'Wp05 Idare' is admired for its showy flowers and pleasant scent, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a pop of color and a distinctive floral aroma to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Caryophyllaceae.
Synonyms
Lily the Pink, Pink Kisses.
Common names
Dianthus Lily the Pink = 'Wp05 Idare' (PBR) (p).
- Toxicity
To humans
Dianthus plants, commonly known as Carnations or Pinks, are not known to be toxic to humans. If ingested, they are unlikely to cause serious harm, though consuming any non-edible plant can potentially result in gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or vomiting, if eaten in large quantities. It’s always advisable to avoid ingesting plants not intended for consumption to prevent any possible adverse effects.
To pets
Carnations, which belong to the Dianthus family, are generally considered to have low toxicity for pets. However, if ingested by dogs or cats, they can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. It's important to monitor your pets and keep them from eating large quantities of any non-food plant, including Carnations. If you suspect your pet has consumed a large amount and is showing signs of distress, it's best to contact your veterinarian.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 feet (0.3 meters)
Spread
1 feet (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Enhanced Garden Aesthetics: Provides vibrant pink hues with ruffled edges, adding visual interest to any garden setting.
- Long Flowering Period: Offers an extended blooming season, typically from late spring to early autumn, ensuring long-lasting garden color.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites beneficial insects such as butterflies and bees, which are essential for pollination and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels, including busy or novice enthusiasts.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, possesses the ability to withstand periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of surviving in cooler temperatures, which makes it a resilient addition to various climate gardens.
- Compact Growth Habit: Ideal for small spaces, borders, or as a ground cover due to its neat, clumping growth pattern.
- 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
- Dianthus 'Lily the Pink' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, giving a soft pink hue derived from its petals.
- The flower petals of Dianthus are edible and can be used to add color and a hint of spice to salads or to decorate cakes and desserts.
- Dianthus blossoms can be pressed and included in handcrafted paper making to create beautiful, textured artisanal paper products.
- Due to their fragrance, Dianthus flowers can be dried and included in potpourri mixes to freshen up indoor spaces.
- The flowers can be used in perfumery for their clove-like scent, contributing to certain fragrant compositions.
- Dianthus 'Lily the Pink' can serve as a natural pest deterrent in gardens, as some pests are repelled by their scent.
- These flowers can be used in bath products, such as bath bombs or soaks, to utilize their aromatic properties and skin-soothing benefits.
- Dianthus can play a role in companion planting, serving to attract pollinators which benefit the growth of nearby vegetable and fruit plants.
- The flower petals can be frozen in ice cubes for a decorative touch in beverages at special events or garden parties.
- When Dianthus flowers are included in floral arrangements, they can work as a natural mood enhancer due to their vibrant colors and pleasant fragrance.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Dianthus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Dianthus is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Devotion and Love: Dianthus varieties, including the Dianthus Lily the Pink, are often associated with love and devotion, making them a popular choice for bouquets and gifts to express affection.
- Purity and Innocence: The pure white and delicate blossoms that some Dianthus flowers exhibit symbolize purity and innocence, often making them a preferred choice for bridal bouquets and christenings.
- Boldness: The bright colors and distinctive patterns of Dianthus flowers represent boldness and daring, reflecting a spirit of adventure and confidence.
- Protection: Historically, Dianthus flowers were believed to provide protection when planted near doorways or in gardens, warding off evil spirits and negativity.
- Eternal Love: Since Dianthus blooms are long-lasting, they symbolize a love that endures throughout time, making them a fitting representation of lasting affection.
- Water
Pink Dianthus, commonly known as Pink Carnation, should be watered thoroughly, ensuring the soil is moist but well-drained. It is recommended to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on the climate and weather conditions, this may mean watering once or twice a week. During the hot summer months, the Pink Carnation may require more frequent watering. The amount of water should be approximately one gallon every week, adjusted for rainfall and climate conditions. Avoid overhead watering to prevent foliar diseases.
- Light
Pink Dianthus thrives in full sunlight to partial shade conditions. The best spot for these plants is an area where they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If planted indoors, a south-facing window is ideal to provide the necessary light requirements.
- Temperature
Pink Dianthus prefers cooler temperature conditions and can generally withstand temperatures down to 20°F without significant damage. The ideal growing temperature for these plants is between 60°F to 70°F. Extreme heat can be detrimental, and Pink Dianthus should be protected if temperatures consistently rise above 85°F.
- Pruning
Pruning Pink Carnation is important for maintaining plant health and promoting dense, vigorous growth. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages the plant to produce new blooms. Cut back the foliage after flowering has completed, usually by one-third, to stimulate new growth. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Pink Dianthus, commonly known as 'Lily the Pink', thrives best in a well-draining soil mix composed of loam, sand, and compost. Optimal soil pH for this plant is slightly alkaline, ranging from 7.0 to 7.5. It is essential to maintain good drainage to prevent root rot, so consider adding perlite or gravel if the soil does not drain well naturally.
- Repotting
Pink Dianthus should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it has outgrown its current pot. This schedule will ensure that the plant has enough space for root growth and access to fresh soil nutrients, which are crucial for its continuing health and flowering.
- Humidity & Misting
Pink Dianthus prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the drier air found in most homes. It is not a plant that requires high humidity environments; therefore, average room humidity should be suitable for its growth.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place Pink Dianthus in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The life of the Dianthus 'Lily the Pink' begins with seed germination, whereupon the seeds sprout when exposed to the right conditions of moisture, warmth, and light. The seedlings then develop into young plants with a basal rosette of leaves, and as they mature, they form a sturdy stem and foliage structure. The plant enters the vegetative growth stage, where it focuses energy on producing more leaves and stems to increase its photosynthetic capacity. Following vegetative growth, the Dianthus 'Lily the Pink' reaches the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, producing its characteristically pink, frilled flowers that also attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers will develop into seed capsules if fertilization occurs, completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, as perennial, the plant enters a dormancy phase during the colder months, only to rejuvenate and begin the cycle again with the onset of the next favorable growing season.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: For the Dianthus 'Lily the Pink', the most popular method of propagation is by taking cuttings, particularly during early summer. Begin by selecting a healthy and vigorous stem and cut a piece about 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters) long, just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes, as roots will develop from these points. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root growth and then place it in a pot filled with a mix of perlite and peat moss to provide good drainage and aeration. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged and place the pot in a well-lit area without direct sunlight. Covering the pot with a plastic bag can help maintain high humidity levels, which is beneficial for root development. Roots typically begin to form within a few weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots or into the garden.