Carnation Dianthus 'Whitehill' (p)
ABOUT
Dianthus 'Whitehill' features a form that is typically compact and mounded, showcasing a lush clump of narrow, grass-like leaves. These leaves are usually gray-green or blue-green in color, providing a vivid backdrop for the flowers it produces. The blossoms are the star attraction of this plant, emerging atop slender, erect stems that rise above the foliage. Each flower is beautifully shaped with frilly or jagged petal edges, giving them a textured and ornate look. The petals themselves are pure white, often exuding a pleasing, spicy fragrance that can be quite noticeable, especially on warm days or in the evenings. The contrast between the white flowers and the blue-green foliage is striking, creating a charming display in gardens and containers. Dianthus 'Whitehill' blooms in late spring to early summer, and the delicate-looking flowers may continue to grace the plant intermittently throughout the growing season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Caryophyllaceae
Synonyms
Whitehill Pinks, Whitehill Carnation, Whitehill Sweet William
Common names
Dianthus 'Whitehill'
ToxicityTo humans
The Dianthus 'Whitehill', commonly known as Carnation, is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects associated with the plant. Ingesting parts of this plant may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some people, but this is not common.
To pets
The Carnation is also generally considered to be non-toxic to pets. If a pet ingests parts of this plant, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, but serious poisoning is unlikely.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
8-12 inches (20-30 cm)
Spread
8-12 inches (20-30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Dianthus 'Whitehill' adds beauty with its delicate white flowers and distinctive fringed petals, enhancing the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: This dianthus variety attracts butterflies and bees, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Fragrance: The blooms emit a pleasant spicy fragrance that can be enjoyed in the garden and when used as cut flowers indoors.
- Drought Tolerance: It has good tolerance to dry conditions once established, making it a fit for gardens in regions with limited rainfall.
- Low Maintenance: Dianthus 'Whitehill' generally requires minimal upkeep, such as deadheading and occasional watering, making it suitable for busy gardeners.
- Versatility: Suitable for borders, containers, and as ground cover, it offers flexibility in garden design and use.
- Seasonal Color: Typically flowers from late spring to early summer, providing seasonal color variation in the garden.
- Cold Hardy: This plant is cold-resistant, making it a viable option for gardens in cooler climates.
- Edging Plants: Because of its compact size and neat growing habit, it can be used effectively as an edging plant.
- Long Blooming: It has a relatively long blooming period, which ensures continuous color for a significant part of the growing season.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Carnations like 'Whitehill' can be used to create natural dye for fabrics or paper crafting, due to their range of vivid colors.
- Pressed carnation flowers are often used in scrapbooking and as embellishments for handmade invitations or greeting cards.
- They can serve as inspiration for artists and designers, with their frilled petals influencing patterns and textures in various art forms.
- Carnations can also be used in potpourri due to their long-lasting fragrance, contributing to a pleasant aroma in sachets and containers.
- The petals of carnations can be frozen in ice cubes to add a touch of elegance to drinks and cocktails at special events.
- These flowers are sometimes used in bath bombs and natural bath soaks for a luxurious bathing experience.
- Carnations can be incorporated into homemade floral waters or spritzes for a light, natural scent in the home.
- Baking enthusiasts sometimes crystallize carnation petals with egg whites and sugar to decorate cakes and desserts.
- In some traditions, carnations are used during weddings to make confetti, replacing paper with a more eco-friendly option.
- As an educational tool, carnations are used in schools for science experiments to demonstrate capillary action by changing the color of the flowers with dyed water.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Carnation is often associated with love, fascination, and distinction in Feng Shui. To harness these energies, place pink Carnations in the love and marriage area of your home, which according to the Bagua map, is located in the southwest corner. They can enhance the romance in a relationship, invite new love, and promote joy.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Carnation is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Divine Love: The name Dianthus comes from the Greek words 'dios,' meaning divine, and 'anthos,' meaning flower. This combination suggests the symbolism of divine or heavenly love.
- Lasting Affection: Carnations, as they are commonly known, are often given to express fascination and distinction, conveying emotions of love that are expected to last for years.
- Purity: The 'Whitehill' variety, with its white petals, is commonly associated with purity and innocence. This symbolism makes it a popular choice for weddings and christenings.
- Good Luck: In some cultures, gifting carnations is believed to bring good luck and positive outcomes in various affairs.
- Gratitude: Carnations are also a symbol of thankfulness and appreciation, making them a thoughtful gift to show gratitude towards someone.
WaterCarnations require well-drained soil and should be watered deeply but infrequently. The goal is to keep the soil moist but not soggy, allowing it to dry slightly between waterings. During the growing season, water these plants once or twice a week with approximately one inch of water each time. Reduce watering frequency in the fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing. It's best to water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and reduce the risk of foliar diseases.
LightCarnations thrive in full sun with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They are best positioned in a spot that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in very hot climates. Avoid overly shaded areas, as insufficient light can lead to poor bloom production and weak growth.
TemperatureCarnations prefer temperatures between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate a range from about 40 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They are cold-hardy but should be protected from severe freezes and extreme heat. The ideal temperature range ensures healthy growth and blooming.
PruningPrune carnations to encourage bushier growth, improve air circulation, and remove spent flowers. This should be done during the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Deadhead regularly during the blooming season to promote continuous blooms. Pruning is typically done annually or as needed to maintain plant health and aesthetics.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCarnations thrive best in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix of equal parts loam, peat moss, and sand or perlite is ideal for potting and supports healthy growth.
RepottingCarnations generally require repotting every 1-2 years to replenish the soil and accommodate root growth. Check for crowded roots annually in spring and repot as necessary.
Humidity & MistingCarnations prefer moderate humidity levels, around 40-50%. They can tolerate some variation but consistently high humidity may promote disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with adequate airflow for carnations indoors.
Outdoor
Choose sunny spot; well-draining soil; protect from extreme cold for carnations outdoors.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleDianthus 'Whitehill', commonly known as Pinks, initiates its life cycle through seed germination, occurring in a well-draining soil mix under appropriate light and temperature conditions. Following germination, the seedling stage sees the emergence of a rosette of leaves as roots establish in the soil. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it develops a fuller clump of narrow, green to greyish-blue leaves, and the plant begins to mature and prepare for flowering. The reproductive stage commences when flower buds form at the tips of erect stems, typically in late spring to early summer, showcasing the plant's distinctive fragrant white flowers with frilled edges. After pollination, often facilitated by bees or butterflies, the flowers will develop into seed capsules, concluding the flowering stage. Eventually, seeds are released from capsules, completing the cycle, and the plant may enter a period of dormancy in colder climates or continue to grow in milder ones.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Dianthus 'Whitehill', commonly known as Pinks, is best propagated through cuttings, which is also the most popular method. This process should ideally take place in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate, a gardener would select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a segment approximately 3-4 inches long, ensuring at least a couple of pairs of leaves are present. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The stem is then inserted into a pot filled with moistened potting mix or sand. The pot should be placed in a warm area with indirect light and covered with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. It typically takes 1-2 weeks for roots to form, and once they do, the new Pinks plant can be transplanted to a permanent location.
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