Pink Dianthus 'Pike's Pink' (p)
ABOUT
Dianthus 'Pike's Pink' is a striking perennial that is admired for its beautiful flowers and foliage. The bloom of this plant features petals that are usually a deep, rosy pink hue with a subtle frilled edge, giving it a delicate, ruffled appearance. Each petal sometimes has a lighter or darker eye in the center, which adds to the flower's charm. These flowers are characterized by their sweet and spicy fragrance, which can be a delightful addition to any garden. The foliage of 'Pike's Pink' consists of slender, blue-green leaves that are linear in shape and form a neat, compact mound. This foliage is evergreen in some climates and provides a lovely contrast to the bright flowers. The leaves can be described as grass-like, adding a textured backdrop that enhances the overall appeal of the blooms. Together, the fragrant flowers and attractive foliage make Dianthus 'Pike's Pink' a captivating choice for borders, rock gardens, and containers, where their colorful and aromatic presence can be fully appreciated. Its blossoms often attract butterflies and other pollinators, which further enlivens the garden space where this plant resides.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Pike's Pink Dianthus, Pike's Pink Carnation, Pike's Pink Garden Pink
Common names
Dianthus 'Pike's Pink'
ToxicityTo humans
Carnation is generally not considered toxic to humans. Typical ingestion of the carnation does not cause serious harm, though it's always possible for some individuals to experience a mild upset stomach or skin irritation upon handling or consumption due to individual sensitivities.
To pets
Carnation is not known to be toxic to pets. However, if a pet ingests a large quantity of any non-food plant, including carnations, it might experience gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, simply because it's not a customary component of their diet.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive blooms: Dianthus 'Pike's Pink', commonly known as Carnation or Pink, produces striking pink flowers that add color and visual interest to gardens.
- Perennial growth: As a perennial plant, once established, it returns year after year, providing long-term value and reducing the need for annual replanting.
- Easy to care for: Carnations are generally low maintenance, making them suitable for novice gardeners and those with busy lifestyles.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, making it ideal for gardens in areas with water restrictions or for those seeking to conserve water.
- Cold hardiness: It can survive in colder climates, making it a versatile choice for gardens in various hardiness zones.
- Fragrance: The flowers of the carnation are known for their sweet and spicy scent, which can perfume the garden air and enhance the sensory experience.
- Pollinator-friendly: The blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity and supporting the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Compact size: Its relatively small size makes it suitable for container gardening, borders, and small garden spaces.
- Long blooming period: Carnations have a long flowering season, providing consistent bursts of color throughout the growing season.
- Cut flower use: The sturdy stems and vibrant blossoms make them excellent for cutting and using in floral arrangements.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The petals of Dianthus 'Pike's Pink' can be used to create a range of pink shades in natural fabric dyeing processes.
- Potpourri ingredient: The dried petals of the carnation can add color and a mild fragrance to homemade potpourri mixtures.
- Floral crafts: The flowers can be used in creating pressed flower arrangements or in scrapbooking for their distinctive shape and color.
- Garnish for dishes: The edible flowers can be used to add a splash of color as a garnish on salads, desserts, and cocktails.
- Flower confetti: Petals from Dianthus 'Pike's Pink' can be tossed as natural confetti at celebrations like weddings.
- Floral water: Distilling the petals can create a lightly scented floral water for use in homemade cosmetics or room sprays.
- Bookmark decoration: Pressed carnation flowers can be laminated or incorporated into homemade bookmarks.
- Floral syrup: The petals can be infused into syrups to flavor beverages, cocktails, or to drizzle over desserts.
- Ice cube enhancement: Freezing petals in ice cubes can add an elegant touch to drinks served at special events.
- Perfumery: The essence of Dianthus 'Pike's Pink' can be used to craft homemade fragrances or perfumed sachets.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCarnations, like Dianthus 'Pike's Pink', are often associated with love and affection in Feng Shui practice. They can be used to attract positive energy in the relationship area of your home or garden, which is the southwest corner on the Bagua map. Place pink carnations here to promote strong romantic relationships and to invite love into your life.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe carnation is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Devotion - Carnations, including Pike's Pink, are often used to symbolize devotion due to their long-lasting blooms, reflecting the enduring nature of loyalty.
- Love - Pike's Pink carnation, like other pink carnations, is a symbol of love and affection, often expressing a mother's undying love, based on Christian lore.
- Distinction - Carnations also symbolize distinction and fascination, with specific colors representing different nuances; Pike's Pink may imply a capricious yet distinguished affection.
- Fascination - The general allure and unique texture of the Pike's Pink carnation petals can evoke feelings of fascination and captivation within the floral language.
- Pure Love - Light pink carnations, like Pike's Pink, can represent pure love, indicating a deep admiration and heartfelt emotion.
- Gratitude - Giving Pike's Pink carnation as a gesture can be a way to express gratitude and appreciation for someone you care about.
WaterCarnations require well-drained soil and should not be overwatered to prevent root rot. During the growing season, it is typically recommended to water them deeply once a week with one gallon of water per plant, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Adjust the frequency depending on weather conditions; less frequent watering may be needed during rainy periods or in cooler temperatures, while more may be necessary in very hot weather.
LightCarnations prefer full sun to grow best, so choose a location where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. These flowers can tolerate light shade, especially in hot climates, but too much shade can lead to weak growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureCarnations thrive in cool to moderate climates with temperatures between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive short periods of colder temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. During hot summer weather, carnations benefit from afternoon shade to prevent stress.
PruningPrune carnations to promote bushy growth, remove spent blooms, and encourage new ones. Deadheading, or cutting off the faded flowers, should be done consistently throughout the blooming period. An annual trimming down to one-third of the plant's size is recommended in the early spring to maintain its shape and overall health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the best growth of Garden Pinks, a well-draining soil mix with compost and sharp sand is recommended. This perennial prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
RepottingGarden Pinks should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and to accommodate root growth. They do not need frequent repotting.
Humidity & MistingGarden Pinks tolerate a wide range of humidity levels but prefer moderate conditions. Avoid overly humid environments to prevent disease issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Garden Pinks near a sunny window and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant Garden Pinks in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleDianthus 'Pike's Pink', also known as Pike's Pink carnation, starts its life cycle with germination, where seeds sprout in well-drained soil under full sun to partial shade, ideally in late winter to early spring. Seedlings establish a root system and grow into juvenile plants, developing a rosette of slender, green to bluish-grey leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, during which it produces dense clumps of foliage and prepares for flowering. The reproductive stage begins in late spring to early summer, when Pike's Pink produces fragrant, pink to salmon-colored flowers with frilled edges. After pollination, typically by bees or butterflies, the flowers develop into capsules containing small seeds, completing the cycle. The plant can then enter a period of dormancy during colder months, or in milder climates, it may retain its foliage year-round as a perennial.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Dianthus 'Pike's Pink', commonly known as Pike's Pink Dianthus, is by taking cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener would select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 3 to 4-inch (approximately 7.5 to 10 cm) length, just below a node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, and kept moist and in indirect light until roots have developed, which usually takes a few weeks. After rooting, the plants can be transplanted into their final growing location.
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