Rosebud Carnation Dianthus Rosebud = 'Wp08 Ros03' (PBR) (Early Bird Series) (p)
ABOUT
The Dianthus Rosebud 'Wp08 Ros03' (Early Bird Series) is a charming garden plant known for its distinctive and attractive blooms. It features beautiful double flowers that resemble miniature roses, hence the name "Rosebud." The petals of the flowers are tightly clustered and often exhibit a two-toned color pattern, where the base of the petals may be a lighter shade, gradually deepening to a more vivid hue at the tips. Commonly, the colors range from shades of pink to deeper ruby reds, depending on the variety. These flowers commonly exude a delightful fragrance that can be quite sweet and clove-like, adding a sensory appeal to the garden. The plant's flowers are borne on top of slender, upright stems, which emerge from a mound of narrow, green foliage. The leaves are typically linear in shape, with a slightly bluish-green or gray-green tint, giving a soft background that contrasts well with the vibrant colors of the blooms. The overall effect of the plant is one of neatness and compactness, with the gorgeous rosebud-like flowers taking center stage in its appearance. With proper care, this type of Dianthus can produce a long-lasting display, offering continual interest in a garden setting over an extended blooming period.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Caryophyllaceae.
Synonyms
Early Bird Chili, Rosebud Dianthus, Rosebud Carnation.
Common names
Dianthus 'Wp08 Ros03'
- Toxicity
To humans
Dianthus plants, commonly known as Carnations or Pinks, are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingestion of any part of the plant may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in some individuals. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation due to its natural irritants. Extreme cases or any concerning symptoms should prompt consultation with a medical professional.
To pets
Carnations, the common name for Dianthus plants, are mildly toxic to pets. If ingested, they can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in animals such as vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Skin contact may sometimes result in dermatitis. In the case of substantial ingestion, or if symptoms persist, it is advised to seek veterinary attention.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 feet 6 inches (46 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attractive Blooms: Produces beautiful rosebud-like flowers that add a splash of color to gardens or landscapes.
- Extended Flowering Season: Part of the Early Bird Series, which is known for having a longer blooming period compared to other varieties.
- Fragrance: Emits a subtle, pleasant scent that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is quite tolerant to periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners who prefer plants that do not demand a lot of attention.
- Compact Size: Its relatively small size makes it suitable for container gardening or planting in small spaces.
- Hardy Nature: Resistant to many of the common garden diseases and pests, contributing to easier garden management.
- Landscape Versatility: Can be used in a variety of garden settings, from borders to rock gardens, due to its versatile nature.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its blooms can attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of withstanding cooler temperatures, which can be beneficial in extending the flowering season into the cooler months.
- 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
- Culinary garnish: The petals of the Dianthus, also known as "Pinks", are edible and have a subtle clove-like flavor, making them a colorful garnish for salads, desserts, and drinks.
- Natural dye: The blooms of Dianthus can be used to create a natural dye for fabric or paper, lending a gentle pink hue to the material.
- Bath additives: Dried Dianthus petals can be added to bathwater or homemade bath bombs for a pleasant fragrance and skin-softening properties.
- Floral crafts: The flowers of the Dianthus can be pressed and used in crafting, such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or decoupage projects.
- Perfumery: The essence of Dianthus flowers is sometimes used in making perfumes or scented oils due to their sweet and spicy scent.
- Potpourri ingredient: Dried petals and buds can be incorporated into potpourri mixes to add a pleasant aroma to a room.
- Candle making: Dianthus petals can be embedded into candles to create decorative and fragrant home decor items.
- Fragrant sachets: Dried Dianthus flowers can fill sachets to freshen up drawers, closets, or even car interiors.
- Plant dye for artwork: The petals can be used to make a plant-based dye for watercolor painting or other artwork, offering a unique pigment derived from nature.
- Flower crowns and boutonnieres: Dianthus blooms can be used in creating flower crowns or boutonnieres for special occasions due to their vibrant colors and long-lasting nature.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Carnation is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Carnation is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Love and Admiration: The dianthus is commonly associated with love. Its link to emotions and affection makes it a popular choice for romantic gestures and weddings.
- Pure Affection: A rosebud typically symbolizes beauty and purity which, in this context, can indicate pure or innocent affection, often related to first love or a deep bond.
- Passion: Following its familial relation to roses, the rose-like appearance of Dianthus Rosebud can conjure feelings of deep passion and devoted love.
- Diverse Colors, Diverse Meanings: Dianthus flowers come in various hues, each representing a different sentiment or message. For instance, a pink Dianthus might symbolize motherly love, while red ones could denote deep love and affection.
- Longevity: The Early Bird series is known for its hardiness and the ability to bloom earlier and longer than many other Dianthus, symbolizing resilience and the enduring nature of love.
- Daring and Boldness: The striking appearance and enduring quality of Dianthus may also represent a bold or brave gesture, particularly in the context of expressing one’s feelings.
- Water
Early Bird Dianthus requires consistent moisture, but it's important not to oversaturate the soil. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil drainage, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. During hotter, drier periods, increase the frequency to maintain hydration but take care not to waterlog the plant. Approximately one inch of water per week is sufficient, which equates to about 0.623 gallons. Reduce watering in the cooler months when the plant is not actively growing.
- Light
Early Bird Dianthus thrives in full sun conditions, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for these plants is an area where they are exposed to unfiltered, direct sunlight for the majority of the day, as this will ensure abundant flowering and robust growth. Avoid planting them in heavily shaded areas as this can lead to poor blooming and weak stems.
- Temperature
Early Bird Dianthus prefers moderate to cool temperatures, thriving in a range between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to approximately 20°F, but frost can damage the foliage and flowers. During the summer, ensure that the plant does not suffer from excessive heat, particularly in regions where temperatures rise above 85°F.
- Pruning
Pruning Early Bird Dianthus is important to encourage a bushy growth habit and promote more blooms. Deadhead faded flowers regularly to stimulate new buds and to keep the plant looking tidy. Perform a more thorough pruning in early spring or after the first flush of blooms to rejuvenate the plant's shape. The best time for pruning is when new growth appears at the plant's base.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The best soil mix for growing Dianthus (Carnations) is one that is well-draining, fertile, and loamy. Enrich the soil with compost and ensure it has a pH that ranges between 6.0 and 7.5. A combination of two parts potting soil, one part perlite, and one part compost works well to provide the nutrients and drainage Dianthus requires.
- Repotting
Dianthus plants typically require repotting every 1-2 years. It's best to repot in the spring before the growing season starts, so the plant can acclimate to its new container and soil conditions and benefit from the growing season to establish roots.
- Humidity & Misting
Dianthus plants prefer moderate to low humidity levels, consistent with outdoor conditions. It thrives in normal humidity found in most home environments, making special humidity adjustments generally unnecessary for this plant.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Grow Dianthus in bright, indirect light with well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant Dianthus in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The Dianthus Rosebud, also known as Early Bird Rosebud, starts its life as a seed, which when sown in a well-draining soil mix and provided with warmth and light, will germinate within a couple of weeks. After germination, the seedling will emerge and begin to establish its root system and develop true leaves, a stage which can span several weeks to a few months depending on environmental conditions. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, where it focuses on leaf and stem growth to build a sturdy structure capable of supporting flowers. The Dianthus Rosebud will then enter the flowering stage where it produces distinctive double-flowering heads; blooming typically occurs in late spring to early summer and can continue into fall if spent flowers are regularly deadheaded. After the blooming period, the plant sets seeds if the flowers have been pollinated, completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, as a perennial, the Dianthus Rosebud will enter a period of dormancy during the colder months, though in some climates it may retain its foliage year-round, before re-entering the vegetative and flowering stages in subsequent growing seasons.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Dianthus Rosebud, part of the Early Bird Series, is through cuttings. This is often done in late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. You take a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) cutting just below a node, where leaves attach to the stem, using a sharp, sterilized pair of scissors or a knife. It's important to remove any flowers or flower buds to direct the plant's energy toward root development. The lower leaves should be stripped off, and the cut end can be dipped in a rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist but not soggy. Roots should develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be transferred to a larger pot or into the garden.