Carnation Dianthus 'Starburst' (PBR) (p)
ABOUT
Dianthus 'Starburst' is a charming and eye-catching perennial known for its distinctive flowers and foliage. This plant features vibrant blossoms that make it stand out in any garden setting. The blooms are typically a rich, pink hue edged with a unique lighter pink or white fringe, creating a star-like effect that gives the 'Starburst' its name. These flowers are renowned for their pleasant, spicy-sweet fragrance, which adds to the sensory delight of the plant. The foliage of Dianthus 'Starburst' consists of narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are usually a bluish-green or grayish-green color. These leaves provide a lovely contrast to the bright flowers and contribute to the plant's overall attractiveness. The leaves form a dense, mounded clump, serving as an elegant backdrop for the vibrant blossoms. This plant is often praised for its extended blooming period, providing color and interest in the garden for a good part of the growing season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Caryophyllaceae
Synonyms
Starburst Pinks, Starburst Carnation, Pink Kisses Starburst
Common names
Dianthus 'Starburst'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Pinks is not generally considered toxic to humans. Therefore, if a person ingests part of the Dianthus 'Starburst', they are not likely to experience serious symptoms of poisoning. However, it's always possible for individuals to have allergic reactions or experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort if they consume parts of plants that are not typically edible.
To pets
Pinks are not known to be toxic to pets. If a pet ingests part of the Dianthus 'Starburst', they are unlikely to suffer from serious poisoning. However, as with humans, pets may have individual allergic reactions or could potentially experience mild gastrointestinal upset from ingesting plant material they are not accustomed to.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1 foot (30 centimeters)
Spread
1 foot (30 centimeters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Dianthus 'Starburst' is known for its striking flowers that can add a burst of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Long Blooming Period: This variety typically offers a long flowering season, providing visual interest for an extended period.
- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Dianthus 'Starburst' can be quite tolerant to drought, making it a good choice for water-wise gardens.
- Compact Growth Habit: With its neat, compact habit, it is suitable for small spaces, borders, and containers.
- Low Maintenance: It generally requires minimal care beyond the basics, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Cold Hardy: This plant is capable of withstanding colder temperatures, making it a suitable choice for a variety of climates.
- Versatile Usage: Ideal for cut flower arrangements due to its beautiful blooms and sturdy stems.
- Deer Resistance: Dianthus 'Starburst' is often resistant to deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer predation is a problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Culinary Garnish: The blossoms of Dianthus can be used to add a splash of color to salads and desserts, giving a vibrant look to the dishes.
- Art Supplies: The petals of Dianthus flowers can be pressed and used in craft projects, such as in the creation of natural, botanical art pieces and paper making.
- Bath Additive: Petals of Dianthus can be added to bathwater for a fragrant and aesthetic touch to a relaxing bath.
- Aromatherapy: The floral fragrance of Dianthus blooms can be captured in potpourri mixes or used in homemade scented sachets to fragrance a room or drawer.
- Floral Water: By steeping the petals in water, you can create a subtly scented Dianthus floral water for use in beauty routines or household cleaning.
- Candle Making: Dried Dianthus petals can be incorporated into candles to add a touch of elegance and a gentle scent as they burn.
- Plant Dye: The pigments in Dianthus flowers can be used as a natural dye for fabrics or in artwork for subtle pink hues.
- Garden Companion Planting: Dianthus can be used as companion plants in the garden to attract beneficial insects or provide aesthetic contrast to other plants.
- Decorative Ice Cubes: Small Dianthus flowers or petals can be frozen into ice cubes to create decorative elements for punch bowls or cocktails.
- Bookmark Decoration: Pressed Dianthus flowers can be laminated or inserted into clear bookmarks, making for a unique and floral-inspired reading accessory.
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 and Admiration: Like many members of the Dianthus family, the 'Starburst' variety often symbolizes love and admiration, due to its beautiful blooms and pleasant fragrance.
- Boldness: The 'Starburst' name itself suggests a dynamic and bold presence, which can symbolize a person's vibrant and passionate nature.
- Divine Beauty: Dianthus flowers are sometimes associated with divine beauty, as the name "dianthus" comes from the Greek words for "heavenly flower".
- Pure Affection: The classic and neat appearance of the Dianthus 'Starburst' bloom is often equated with pure and deep affection in the language of flowers.
WaterPinks should be watered thoroughly when the soil's surface feels dry to the touch, typically once or twice a week depending on the weather conditions. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of foliage diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. In a garden setting during the growing season, they may require about one inch of water every week. However, potted Pinks in containers may need watering more frequently, particularly during hot, dry periods. Always ensure that the plant has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, as Pinks do not like to be in soggy soil.
LightPinks prefer full sun conditions where they can receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot for these flowers would be a south-facing garden or window that is bright and unobstructed by shadows from taller plants or buildings. They can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade can lead to poor flowering and leggy growth.
TemperaturePinks are cold-hardy plants and can tolerate temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for many growing zones. The ideal temperature range for Pinks is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. They can survive higher temperatures as long as they are provided with sufficient water and some protection from the intense midday heat.
PruningPinks should be pruned to remove spent blooms (deadheading) to encourage further flowering and to maintain plant shape. The best time to prune for shaping is in the spring, just before new growth begins. Pruning can be performed more frequently during the flowering season to remove dead or faded flowers. In late fall, after flowering has finished, trim back the foliage by about one-third to help maintain a compact form and promote healthy growth for the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCarnations prefer well-draining and slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 6.7 to 6.9. A mix of loam, peat moss, and sand in equal parts is ideal for the Dianthus 'Starburst'.
RepottingCarnations like Dianthus 'Starburst' typically require repotting every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingCarnations thrive in moderate humidity levels. Dianthus 'Starburst' does well in typical household humidity but avoid excessive moisture which can lead to fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, well-draining soil, ensure moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil, protect from extreme cold.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Dianthus 'Starburst' (often known as Pinks) begins with seed germination, which requires well-drained soil and a sunny location. After germination, the young seedlings grow rapidly, developing a rosette of leaves and a strong root system. Once established, the plant enters the vegetative stage, where it produces dense clumps of slender, gray-green foliage. The transition to the flowering stage follows, usually in late spring to early summer, when Dianthus 'Starburst' produces a profusion of fragrant, double flowers with a vibrant, starburst pattern. After pollination, seed capsules form and mature, releasing seeds for propagation if conditions allow. The plant then either enters a period of dormancy during colder months or may continue to grow in milder climates, completing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Dianthus 'Starburst', commonly known as pinks or carnations, is most popularly propagated through softwood cuttings. This typically takes place in late spring to early summer. To propagate, a gardener would select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 3 to 4 inch (approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters) length, just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one node, where the leaves were removed, is below the soil surface. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm place with indirect light until roots have developed, which may take a few weeks. Once established, the new plants can be transplanted to their final location.
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