Carnation Dianthus 'Whatfield Joy' (p)

👤 Non-toxic to humans
🐾 Non-toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Easy-care
pink 'Whatfield Joy'

ABOUT

Dianthus 'Whatfield Joy' (p), commonly known as pinks, is a distinctive perennial plant that attracts attention with its vibrant and showy flowers. It displays a profusion of colorful blooms that sit atop slender stems, with each blossom featuring a frilly or serrated edge that adds texture and interest to its appearance. The petals can be of various shades, often in striking patterns or with contrasting eye-catching centers. Foliage of the pinks is typically narrow, with a blue-green or grayish hue, and it forms a dense clump or tuft which serves as a backdrop for the bright flowers. The plant is known for its spicy, clove-like fragrance that can easily perfume the surrounding air, especially in the morning or evening.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Caryophyllaceae.

    • Synonyms

      Carnation, Pink, Sweet William.

    • Common names

      Dianthus 'Whatfield Joy'

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      The common name for Dianthus 'Whatfield Joy' is Carnation. Carnations are not known to be toxic to humans. In general, ingesting parts of this plant is unlikely to cause poisoning or serious consequences. However, sensitivity to plants can vary among individuals, so it's always advisable to avoid ingesting plant material that is not specifically intended for consumption.

    • To pets

      Carnations are considered to be mildly toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests a significant amount of the plant, it may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting or diarrhea. It's always best to keep an eye on your pets and prevent them from eating ornamental plants, to avoid any potential adverse effects.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Evergreen

    • Color of leaves

      Blue-green

    • Flower color

      Pink

    • Height

      0.5 feet (15 cm)

    • Spread

      1 foot (30 cm)

    • Plant type

      Herb

    • Hardiness zones

      Varies

    • Native area

      Europe

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Attractive Flowers: The Dianthus 'Whatfield Joy' is known for its appealing, brightly colored blooms that add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
    • Pleasant Scent: It emanates a pleasing fragrance that can make outdoor spaces more inviting.
    • Drought Tolerance: This variety can withstand periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and dry-climate gardens.
    • Low Maintenance: It is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep beyond basic watering and occasional feeding.
    • Long Blooming Period: The plant tends to have an extended flowering period, providing long-lasting color in the garden.
    • Cold Hardy: It can survive in cooler temperatures, making it a good choice for gardens in various climate zones.
    • Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which are crucial for pollination.
    • Versatility: It can be used in many garden designs, including borders, rock gardens, and containers.
    • Deer Resistance: Dianthus 'Whatfield Joy' is known to be relatively resistant to deer, reducing the risk of damage from wildlife.
    • Compact Size: Its size makes it suitable for small spaces or as a front-of-border plant in larger garden compositions.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • Carnation 'Whatfield Joy' can be used for natural dyeing processes, as the petals can impart subtle pink and yellow hues to fabrics when used in a dye bath.
    • The crushed leaves of Carnation 'Whatfield Joy' can serve as pest repellents in gardens, as their strong scent can be undesirable to some insects.
    • When infused in water, Carnation 'Whatfield Joy' petals can work as a natural air freshener, offering a pleasant fragrance to living spaces.
    • The petals can be used in crafting, like creating eco-friendly confetti for weddings or events that promote the use of biodegradable materials.
    • Carnation 'Whatfield Joy' can be included in potpourri mixes, contributing its pleasant scent and vibrant color to the blend.
    • Edible petals of Carnation 'Whatfield Joy' can be crystallized with sugar and used as decorative and flavorful garnishes for desserts.
    • The strong structure of Carnation 'Whatfield Joy' makes it suitable for pressing and using in floral art, such as framed nature displays or bookmarks.
    • Use Carnation 'Whatfield Joy' petals as a natural ingredient in homemade scented sachets, which can be tucked into drawers or closets for a fresh scent.
    • Carnation 'Whatfield Joy' can be incorporated into homemade floral waters or tonics, often used in home beauty routines for their mild astringent properties.
    • When dried, the flowers of Carnation 'Whatfield Joy' can be used to create unique and textured paper for scrapbooking and card making.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The Carnation is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The Carnation is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Dignity: The Dianthus species, commonly known as Pinks, often symbolize dignity due to their graceful appearance and enduring quality.
    • Boldness: 'Whatfield Joy', with its vibrant colors, represents boldness and a daring spirit, encouraging individuals to stand out and be vibrant.
    • Pure Love: As a member of the Dianthus family, 'Whatfield Joy' can symbolize pure affection and deep emotional attachment akin to that of a divine or motherly love.
    • Fascination: The unique beauty and intricacy of the Dianthus 'Whatfield Joy' often lead to it representing fascination, reflecting how the beholder is captivated by its charm.
    • Admiration: Gifting 'Whatfield Joy' can express admiration for someone, making it a suitable token of respect and high esteem for the value of the recipient.

💧
Every 1-2 weeks
Water
☀️
10000 - 20000 Lux
Light
💦️
5%
Humidity
🪴
Every 2-3 years
Repotting
🌱️
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning

  • water dropWater

    For Dianthus, commonly known as 'Pinks' or 'Carnation', it's essential to water them deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth. They should be watered once a week, applying about one inch of water which equates to about 0.6 gallons per square foot each time. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water 'Pinks' twice a week. However, make sure the soil is well-drained as 'Pinks' do not like to remain in soggy soil. Overwatering or allowing the plants to sit in water can lead to fungal diseases, so it's crucial to ensure proper drainage. When watering, avoid wetting the foliage, as this can also contribute to fungal issues.

  • sunLight

    'Pinks' thrive best in full sunlight, which means they should receive at least six hours of direct sun daily. Siting them in a spot that gets ample morning sun with some afternoon shade can help protect them from the intense heat of late-day sun in very hot climates. However, they are quite adaptable and will still flower in partial shade, but bloom best with ample sunlight. Always try to choose a location where they will get the most direct sunlight throughout the day for optimal growth.

  • thermometerTemperature

    'Pinks' are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, withstanding occasional dips down to 20°F but best growing in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. They prefer cooler temperatures and may not perform as well during the peak heat of summer if temperatures regularly exceed 85°F. Providing some afternoon shade can be beneficial during the hottest parts of the year. It's also important that the temperature drops significantly at night as 'Pinks' appreciate the cooler night temperatures to help set buds.

  • scissorsPruning

    Pruning 'Pinks' is necessary to promote bushy growth, remove spent flowers, and maintain a compact shape. Deadheading, or removing the spent blooms, should be done consistently throughout the blooming season to encourage further flowering. In early spring, light pruning can help to rejuvenate the plants before the onset of the growing season. It's also beneficial to cut back 'Pinks' after the first flush of blooms is finished to encourage a second bloom period in late summer or early fall.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    For Carnation 'Whatfield Joy', the best soil mix is well-draining and moderately fertile, with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0).

  • plantRepotting

    Carnation 'Whatfield Joy' should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current pot to ensure continued growth and bloom.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Carnation 'Whatfield Joy' prefers average humidity levels and does not require high humidity environments.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Place in a bright spot and ensure good airflow for Carnation 'Whatfield Joy'.

    • Outdoor

      Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil for Carnation 'Whatfield Joy'.

    • Hardiness zone

      3-9 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    Dianthus 'Whatfield Joy' begins its life as a seed, which, when sown in fertile, well-drained soil and with adequate sunlight and water, will germinate to produce seedlings. The seedlings grow into juvenile plants, developing their characteristic gray-green foliage and branching habit. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, producing its distinctive, frilly-edged pink blooms that are highly fragrant and attract pollinators. After pollination, if conditions permit, the plant may set seed. Dianthus 'Whatfield Joy' is a perennial, so it can live for several years, going through cycles of dormancy in the winter and regrowth in the spring. Eventually, as it ages, the plant's vitality will decline, leading to its death, but it may be propagated through division or cuttings to perpetuate its presence in the garden.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Spring-Early Summer

    • Propogation: Dianthus 'Whatfield Joy', commonly known as pinks, is a charming and popular flowering plant that can be propagated most effectively using cuttings. This method usually takes place in late spring to early summer when the plant's growth is vigorous. To propagate through cuttings, select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a piece about 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 cm). Remove the lower leaves and insert the cutting into a mix of moistened potting soil and perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. Enclose the potted cutting in a plastic bag or place it in a propagator to maintain humidity, and keep it in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. Roots typically develop in two to three weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to less protected conditions and ultimately moved to a permanent location.

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