Carnation Dianthus 'Oakwood Splendour' (p)

Water

Carnation 'Oakwood Splendour' should be watered thoroughly, but the frequency depends on soil conditions and climate. For plants in the ground, a general rule is to water them with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant every week during the growing season, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the soil. However, during hot and dry spells, you might need to water more frequently, while during periods of rain, less water may be needed. It's essential to avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it feels dry, it's time to water.

Light

Carnations, including 'Oakwood Splendour', thrive in full sun conditions. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to develop their full bloom potential. Planting them in a spot that receives unfiltered sunlight for most of the day will ensure healthy growth and plentiful flowers.

Temperature

Carnations like 'Oakwood Splendour' prefer a temperate climate and do well in a temperature range between 40°F and 75°F. They can survive short periods of colder temperatures down to about 20°F and can handle heat up to 85°F, but prolonged exposure outside of their comfort zone can be harmful. The ideal growing conditions include daytime temperatures around 60°F to 70°F and slightly cooler temperatures at night.

Pruning

Pruning carnations like 'Oakwood Splendour' is essential for maintaining a compact shape, encouraging bushy growth, and promoting vigorous blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms, and after the main flowering season, cut back the stems to about one-third of their height to stimulate a second blooming period. The best time for heavier pruning is early spring or after the plant has finished most of its blooming cycle.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for the carnation 'Oakwood Splendour' should be light, well-draining, and fertile with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH ranging from 6.7 to 7.5. A combination of loam, compost, and a small amount of sand or perlite to improve drainage can be ideal. Regular feeding with balanced fertilizer will support vibrant blooms.

Repotting

Carnations, such as 'Oakwood Splendour', typically require repotting every 1-2 years or when they outgrow their pots. Repotting in the spring helps the plant recover faster and ensures it has room for new growth, preparing it for a prosperous blooming season.

Humidity & Misting

Carnations like 'Oakwood Splendour' prefer moderate humidity levels, but they are quite adaptable and can tolerate a range from low to high humidity as long as they have good air circulation and are not left in stagnant, moist conditions that could lead to fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure full sun, good air flow and regular deadheading.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, protect from severe winter.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Dianthus 'Oakwood Splendour', commonly known as pinks, begins with seed germination which occurs in spring or early summer under ideal conditions of mild temperatures and moist soil. The seedlings develop true leaves and a root system, establishing themselves as young plants. As they mature, Dianthus 'Oakwood Splendour' produces dense tufts of blue-green foliage and, by late spring to early summer of the following year, they start producing their characteristic fragrant flowers with frilled edges, which can be various shades of pink, red, or white. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into capsules containing numerous small seeds. The parent plant may remain alive for several years, going through repeated flowering and seed-set periods, typically forming a mounding habit. As a perennial, it may undergo periods of dormancy in winter, especially in colder climates, before resprouting in the spring to continue its cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• Dianthus 'Oakwood Splendour', commonly known as pinks, is typically propagated through cuttings. This is a straightforward method that allows gardeners to produce identical clones of the parent plant. To propagate pinks by cuttings, one should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 3 to 4 inch (approximately 7.5 to 10 cm) piece just below a node, where the concentration of growth hormones is high. This cutting should then have its lower leaves removed and be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the node where the leaves were removed is buried in the soil. The cutting requires consistent moisture and should be kept in a bright area without direct sunlight until roots have formed, which usually takes a few weeks. After root establishment, the new pinks plant can be transplanted to a desired location in the garden.