Sweet William Dianthus Rockin' Red = 'Pas1141436' (p,a)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Dianthus Rockin' Red, commonly known as the Rockin' Red carnation or pinks, is a striking perennial plant that boasts vivid red flowers with a frilled or serrated edge, typical of the carnation family. Each bloom presents a slightly different pattern of cuts and serrations along the petal margins, giving them a plush, delicate appearance. The flowers exhibit a deep red hue that can range from bright and fiery to a more subdued burgundy, depending on the light and growing conditions. Usually, these carnations produce a profusion of blooms that create a dense and vibrant display of color. The foliage of the Dianthus Rockin' Red is slender and bluish-green, forming a neat, low mound or tuft beneath the blooms. The leaves are typically linear to lanceolate in shape, with a somewhat grassy texture that complements the bold flowers nicely. The combination of flamboyant flowers and tidy foliage gives this plant a striking appearance that stands out in garden beds, borders, and as a cut flower for bouquets. With its bold coloring and attractive form, this Dianthus variety is a popular choice for adding a pop of color to outdoor spaces.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Rockin' Red Dianthus, Rockin' Red Pinks
- Common names
  Dianthus 'Pas1141436'
Toxicity
- To humans
  The plant commonly known as Sweet William is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. There is no widespread evidence to suggest that this Dianthus variety poses a significant risk if ingested, and it is not typically associated with poisoning or severe adverse health effects in humans. However, individual sensitivities can vary, and ingesting plant material can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in some people.
- To pets
  Sweet William is not known to be toxic to pets. This Dianthus variety is not listed among commonly toxic plants to pets such as dogs and cats. However, it's always advisable to prevent pets from ingesting plants as a precaution. Ingesting non-food items, even non-toxic ones, can potentially cause mild stomach upset or an intestinal blockage in pets. If a pet exhibits any unusual symptoms after ingesting plant material, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Blue-green
- Flower color
  Red
- Height
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  5-9
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attractive Blooms: Features vibrant red flowers that add a pop of color to garden beds and landscapes.
- Prolonged Flowering Season: Boasts a long blooming period, providing visual interest throughout the growing season.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good drought resistance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold Hardy: Able to withstand cooler temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climate zones.
- Ease of Care: Requires minimal maintenance, making it a good choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Pest Resistance: Exhibits a natural resistance to many pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Compact Growth: With its neat, mounding habit, it is well-suited for small gardens, containers, and edging.
- Deer Resistance: Less likely to be eaten by deer, which is beneficial in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Fragrance: The flowers may have a pleasant scent, adding another layer of enjoyment to the garden.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
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 bright blossoms of the Dianthus can be used to decorate cakes and desserts for a pop of color and subtle spice due to their clove-like flavor.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The petals can be boiled to extract a red dye for coloring natural fibers, providing an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Plant Combinations: Gardeners often pair the Dianthus Rockin' Red with other perennials in border gardens to create aesthetically pleasing color contrast and textural diversity.
- Aromatic Potpourri: Dried Dianthus flowers can be added to potpourri mixes for their attractive appearance and pleasant fragrance, enhancing the ambiance of a room.
- Photography: The vibrant red of the Dianthus makes it an excellent subject for macro and garden photography, capturing the beauty of its intricate petals.
- Confetti Alternative: At eco-friendly events, dried Dianthus petals can serve as a biodegradable confetti, adding a burst of natural color without harming the environment.
- Creative Crafting: Pressed Dianthus flowers can be used in crafting, such as card making or decoupage, providing a floral touch to handmade paper goods.
- Bookmark Embellishment: Laminated Dianthus blooms can be used to create unique and decorative bookmarks for book lovers.
- Wedding Décor: Stems of Dianthus can be integrated into wedding bouquets, boutonnieres, and table arrangements for their vivid color and lasting freshness.
- Floral Art: Artists and hobbyists may use Dianthus flowers in floral art, such as creating intricate designs with flower heads on canvas before preserving them.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Sweet William is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Sweet William is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Divine Love: The genus name "Dianthus" comes from the Greek words for divine ("dios") and flower ("anthos"), suggesting a connection to the divine and a representation of heavenly love.
- Boldness: The vibrant red color of the Rockin' Red carnation is often associated with boldness, passion, and a strong sense of admiration.
- Fascination: Carnations in general are said to convey fascination and distinction, which can be attributed to this particular variety's eye-catching appearance.
- Pure Affection: While red carnations tend to be linked more specifically to romantic love, the carnation as a type of flower also symbolizes a pure and deep affection.
- Good Fortune: In some cultures, giving a carnation as a gift is seen as wishing someone luck or success, possibly due to its long-lived nature.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

40%

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Sweet William, commonly known as Dianthus Rockin' Red, prefers consistently moist soil but not waterlogged conditions. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means once every week, although this may vary based on climate conditions and soil drainage. Use a watering can or a gentle stream from a hose to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, as wet leaves can lead to fungal diseases. Provide the plant with approximately one gallon of water at each watering session, adjusting the amount during hotter, drier periods or cooler, wetter times.
Light
Sweet William thrives in full sunlight, which means it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for this plant is in an area that gets plenty of morning light and some protection from intense afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. Avoid placing it in heavy shade, as this can result in weak growth and fewer blooms.
Temperature
Sweet William does well in a range of temperatures and can tolerate brief periods of cold down to about 20°F. The ideal growing temperature for this plant is between 60°F and 70°F. To encourage the best growth and flowering, avoid placing it in areas where the temperature exceeds 85°F for extended periods.
Pruning
Prune Sweet William to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom. Deadheading or cutting back the flower stems after the initial flowering can result in a tidier plant and may promote a fall rebloom. The best time to prune heavily is in early spring, to shape the plant and remove any winter damage. Regularly removing dead or yellowing leaves will also keep the plant healthy and looking its best.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Sweet William prefers well-draining soil with organic matter; mix potting soil, perlite, and compost. Ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.5 for healthy growth.
Repotting
Sweet William should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and provide space for growth.
Humidity & Misting
Sweet William does best in moderate humidity conditions and does not require high humidity to thrive.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place Sweet William near a sunny window and avoid overwatering.
- Outdoor
  Plant Sweet William in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
The life of Dianthus Rockin' Red begins with seed germination, which usually occurs in warm, well-drained soil under full sun or partial shade conditions. Following germination, seedlings develop into juvenile plants with a rosette of leaves at the base. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative growth stage, producing stems, leaves, and a robust root system. The Dianthus Rockin' Red reaches the flowering stage, producing vibrant red blooms that are attractive to pollinators and often used for cut flowers due to their fragrance and color. After pollination, the plants may produce seeds that can be collected for propagation or allowed to self-sow. Finally, Dianthus Rockin' Red is a perennial, so after the flowering season, the plant enters a period of dormancy during colder months, to reemerge and repeat the cycle in the following growing season.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The most popular method of propagation for Dianthus 'Rockin' Red', also commonly known as Sweet William, is by taking stem cuttings. This process is ideally done during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch (about 10 to 15 centimeters) section just below a leaf node. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in well-draining soil, watered gently, and covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions and eventually transplanted outdoors.