Sweet William Dianthus 'Linfield Kathy Booker' (p)
ABOUT
Dianthus 'Linfield Kathy Booker' is a cultivar notable for its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage. Commonly known as "pinks," this particular variety boasts blooms that are often a deep pink or red with frilly edges, sometimes exhibiting a lighter pink or white patterning that gives them a distinctive, two-tone appearance. The petals can also have a lovely, subtle fragrance which is a characteristic feature of many pinks. These flowers are typically clustered atop short, strong stems which emerge from mounds of slender, blue-green leaves. The leaves themselves are narrow and pointed, contributing to the plant's overall grassy, tufted look which provides texture and color in the garden even when the plant is not in flower.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sorry, there is no available common name for Dianthus 'Linfield Kathy Booker' as it is a specific cultivar name.
Common names
Dianthus 'Linfield Kathy Booker'
ToxicityTo humans
Commonly known as Carnation, Dianthus 'Linfield Kathy Booker' is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, accidental ingestion is unlikely to cause poisoning. However, it's always advisable to not consume ornamental plants due to potential pesticide residue or individual allergic reactions.
To pets
Carnation is considered to be somewhat toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. If ingested, it may cause mild gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is not typically considered life-threatening but monitoring your pet for symptoms and contacting a veterinarian if symptoms occur is recommended.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot 4 inches (40 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blossoms: 'Linfield Kathy Booker' dianthus features eye-catching flowers that can add a splash of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Long Blooming Season: This variety of dianthus often has a lengthy blooming period, providing extended visual interest throughout the growing season.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, dianthus plants are generally drought-tolerant, making them suitable for xeriscape gardens or areas with water restrictions.
- Low Maintenance: Dianthus plants, including 'Linfield Kathy Booker', typically require minimal care, making them ideal for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance landscaping.
- Cold Hardiness: They are known for being cold-hardy, which allows them to survive and thrive in cooler climates.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract bees and butterflies, which play a crucial role in pollinating other plants in the garden.
- Deer Resistance: Dianthus is often resistant to deer, which can help to prevent damage and preserve the beauty of a garden or landscape.
- Versatility: This plant is suitable for a variety of settings including borders, rock gardens, and containers, offering numerous design possibilities.
- Scented Flowers: The blooms of many dianthus varieties are fragrant, adding an olfactory dimension to the visual aesthetics of the garden.
- Edible Petals: The petals of some dianthus flowers are edible and can be used to add color and a light spicy flavor to salads and desserts.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Carnation 'Linfield Kathy Booker' petals can be crystallized and used to decorate cakes and pastries, offering a delicate floral flavor and an attractive garnish.
- The blooms can be infused in syrups for flavoring cocktails, sodas, or teas, providing a unique taste and aroma.
- These carnations can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or papers, imparting soft pink hues to the materials.
- The plant's fragrant flowers can be dried and included in potpourris or sachets to scent drawers and closets.
- Floral waters or hydrosols can be distilled from the blooms to use as linen sprays or gentle facial tonics.
- Culinary uses include incorporating the petals into salads, as they are edible and can add color and a slight peppery flavor.
- The whole flowers can be used to adorn place settings or as part of a floral arrangement for special events and weddings.
- Petals can be pressed and used in craft projects, such as handmade paper or botanical jewelry, encapsulating their beauty.
- Carnation 'Linfield Kathy Booker' can serve as a natural pest deterrent in the garden as some pests do not favor the scent of carnations.
- Leaves and stems can be composted after the blooming season to enrich garden soil with organic matter.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Carnation is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Carnation is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: Dianthus, commonly known as "pinks," often symbolizes love and affection due to their enduring presence in gardens and their historical association with romantic gestures.
- Devotion: The long-lasting blooms are symbolic of deep devotion and a commitment that stands the test of time.
- Admiration: Due to their beauty and intricate patterns, giving pinks can indicate admiration for someone's grace or uniqueness.
- Passion: Some varieties of Dianthus carry a rich, spicy fragrance which can symbolize passion and a strong, intense emotion.
- Pure Love: The clean, bright appearance of the flowers can represent pure or innocent love, free from pretense or falsehood.
- Boldness: As Dianthus varieties are known for their vivid colors and strong presence, they can symbolize courage and boldness in the face of challenges.
WaterSweet William (Dianthus 'Linfield Kathy Booker') should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch about an inch below the surface. Generally, this means watering about once a week, but this can vary with temperature and humidity levels. Use a watering can to slowly pour water at the base of the plant until the soil is thoroughly moistened but not waterlogged; this might equate to approximately 1 gallon for an outdoor plant or 4-8 ounces for a potted specimen, depending on size. During hot, dry spells, watering frequency may increase. Always check the soil moisture level before adding water to prevent overwatering.
LightSweet William enjoys full sunlight for at least six hours a day. The ideal spot for this plant is in a garden area that gets ample morning light and partial shade during the hottest part of the afternoon. It also thrives in areas with bright, indirect light if full sun conditions cannot be met. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to leggy plants and reduced flowering.
TemperatureSweet William prefers a temperature range of 60-75°F for optimal growth. It can tolerate short periods of higher temperatures but should not be exposed to temperatures above 85°F for extended periods. In winter, it is hardy and can survive temperatures down to 20°F, but protection may be needed in areas with harsher winters. This makes Sweet William a versatile plant for many gardening zones in temperate climates.
PruningSweet William should be pruned to remove faded flowers, a process called deadheading, which encourages further blooming throughout the season. After the main bloom period, cutting back the flower stems can promote a second bloom in the fall. Prune the plants back by about one-third in late fall to keep them compact and healthy. The best time for heavy pruning is early spring or after the flowering has finished.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDianthus, commonly known as 'Pinks', thrives in well-draining soil with a slightly alkaline pH of around 7.0 to 8.0. A good soil mix for 'Pinks' includes loamy soil enriched with compost and a small amount of sharp sand or perlite to improve drainage.
Repotting'Pinks' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when they outgrow their current container. It's best to repot in the spring before the onset of the growth season.
Humidity & Misting'Pinks' prefer moderate humidity levels and do well in typical outdoor humidity. Avoid highly humid conditions as they can promote disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure good sunlight and ventilation for indoor 'Pinks'.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil for outdoor 'Pinks'.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleDianthus 'Linfield Kathy Booker' (p), commonly known as Pinks, begins its life as a seed, which when sown germinates to produce a small seedling. The seedling grows into a vegetative plant, developing a rosette of blue-green, grass-like leaves. Given proper conditions, the plant will then initiate budding, followed by the blooming of fragrant flowers often in shades of pink, red, or white during late spring to summer. After pollination, usually by insects, the flowers will produce seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. As a perennial, the plant will undergo a period of dormancy in the winter before resuming growth in the spring. With proper care, Pinks can live and continue this cycle for several years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Dianthus 'Linfield Kathy Booker', commonly known as pinks, is typically propagated by softwood cuttings. This method is most successful when performed in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing and the stems are tender but mature enough to handle cutting. To propagate pinks by cuttings, a gardener would take a 3 to 4-inch cutting from a non-flowering stem, strip the leaves from the bottom half, and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, kept moist and under indirect light until roots have established, after which it can be transplanted into the garden or a more permanent container.
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