Perennials Diаnthus

Description

Characteristic Features of Dianthus (Carnation)

Dianthus is a genus of herbaceous plants and dwarf shrubs of the family Caryophyllaceae that includes annuals, biannuals, and perennials. In the wild, the species of this genus are found in temperate climates.

The Latin name for the plant translates as a "divine flower" or "flower of Zeus." One of the common names of the plant is clove pink. It came from Germany, where the smell of this flower was associated with the smell of clove. A sad legend says that Artemis, being in a bad mood, accused a shepherd who playing the flute of having scared away her game with his music. In fury, she ripped out his eyes and threw them to the ground. Soon they sprouted into scarlet Dianthus.

For many years all over the world, carnation has been a symbol of prosperity, goodness, faithfulness; in the Soviet Union it became especially popular after World War II and still marks the victory of the Soviet people over the Nazis.

The plant, depending on the species, grows to the height of 10 to 70 centimeters. The stems are smooth, sometimes semilignified. The leaves are narrow, mostly linear, usually opposite; their color varies from green to greyish blue. The flowers have five petals, are produced singly or 2 or 3 together in a cyme. There are lots of cultivars that differ in size, doubling, colouring, and flowering frequency (once per season or more). The fruit is a unilocular capsule that opens with four teeth and contains numerous oval or round black seeds.

Carnations are widely used for decoration of any gardens. Tall species are mostly used for cutting; their vase life is about 10-14 days. Average height Carnations look great in flowerbeds, borders, rock gardens, mixed borders, and as solitaries. The perfect companions for this plant are geraniums, herbs, edelweiss. Avoid planting Carnations together with Delphiniums and poppies. Low-growing species are often grown as a container culture to decorate balconies and patios. In addition, since the ancient times, Dianthus has been known as a medicinal plant. Its essential oil has antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, which effectively helps in the treatment of many diseases.

The genus of Dianthus is very diverse and includes about 300 species, but not all of them are popular in landscape gardening. The following species are common:

Dianthus caryophyllus (Carnation or Clove Pink) has several types identified as separate species by some botanists:

Schabaud is a perennial plant grown as an annual and reaching a height of 40-70 centimeters. This species is distinguished by grey green leaves and large double flowers about 6 centimeters in diameter. Depending on the flower type, the colouring can be snow white, pink, lemon, orange, scarlet, or cherry.

Grenadine is cultivated as a biennial and is characterized by solid-coloured red or pink flowers.

Dwarf dianthus grows about 20 centimeters tall and is usually cultivated in containers.
Souvenir de Malmaison has lemon or pink flowers.

Dianthus superbus grows to a height of 50 centimeters and is notable for its snow white or pink fragrant flowers with pinky edges, blooming in glory during almost the whole of summer.

Dianthus chinensis is an average-sized annual with beautiful flowers (3-5 centimeters in diameter) of various colours and doubleness.

Dianthus barbatus is grown as a biennial plant, reaches about 30 centimeters tall and is characterized by small flowers gathered in corymbose inflorescences.

Dianthus amurensis grows to about half a meter in height, has greyish green leaves and violet pink flowers, blooming and blooms in midsummer.

Dianthus glacialis is grown mainly in rock gardens and has crimson flowers.

Dianthus plumarius is perennial up to 35 centimeters tall, with grey leaves and small flowers with pinky petals of various colouring.

Dianthus repens occurs mainly in the mountains and has grey leaves and single flowers of various colours.

Dianthus guttatus is recognizable for the specks on the petals of its pink flowers.

Dianthus deltoids is notable for its pubescent stems sprouting to a height of 35 centimeters and middle-sized pink flowers with two bracts.

Dianthus fischerii can reach a height of 60 centimeters, has a branching stem, pointed leaves, and single or double flowers with four bracts.

Dianthus hybrid comprises a large group of varieties originating from mixing various varieties. These plants usually do not exceed 30 centimeters tall and have single or double fragrant white, pink, or scarlet flowers.

The Secrets to Successfully Growing Dianthus

All species of Dianthus need sunlight, so planting in a shady location is not recommended. The soil should be fertile (preferably loam) with a weak or neutral acidity and good drainage, as Dianthus does not tolerate waterlogging. The main enemy of these plants are spring frosts, quite frequently occuring in moderate climates. Wintercover the non-hardy varieties with spruce branches and dry leaves and do not remove the cover until the threat of frost has passed. The plants response well to feeding in the spring and autumn with complex fertilizers. However, avoid using fresh manure. The basic plant care requirements involve regular moderate watering, soil loosening, pruning at 10 centimeters from the ground after flowering, and staking medium and tall varieties. Remember to grown different Dianthus variety separately to avoid mixing.

Perennial Dianthus varieties quickly become leggy and can grow in one place for no more than 5 years, Replant them once every 3-4 years.

Annual s and biennials are propagated by seeds. Sow the seeds in February in the soil slightly moistened from a sprayer. The seedlings should germinate at a temperature of about 20 ° C and regularly and carefully watered. When the seedlings develop 3-4 leaves, prick them out. Seedlings can be grown in a greenhouse. Because young plants grow very slowly, plant them in a permanent place the following spring, spacing them 20 centimeters apart. Frost-resistant species can be planted in the open ground in May of the current year and winter sheltered. However, they will only flower one year later.

Only Dianthus barbatus and Dianthus deltoides can be propagated by dividing the shrub, because Dianthus usually has a very strong taproot. The most suitable for all varieties propagation type is by cuttings. In late May or early June cut cuttings 5-10 centimeters long having at least six leaves. Remove the lower leaves. Using a sharp knife, make an incision on the lower side of the cutting at a third of the stem thickness and plant the cuttings on a bed or in a separate container with calcined sand or perlite. Cover the container with PE film. After 2-3 weeks, the cuttings will root well. In the winter, cover young plants or move them to the greenhouse.

Tall Dianthus varieties can be propagated by layering. Bend young side shoots, pin to the ground, put soil on top and water regularly. After the plant develops roots, separate and replant in a new location.

Potential Problems

Dianthus can be affected by various viruses and fungi. It can often get blight (leaves turn yellow and wither), rust (the plant is covered with brown spots), mottling (the leaves develop faded spots), or mosaic (the flowers change colour). If you discovere signs of disease, remove the affected parts and treat the whole plant with Bordeaux liquid or copper oxychloride. To prevent diseases, avoid thickened planting, excessive moisture, and excess of nitrogen.

Dianthus can be attacked by pests such as mole crickets, earwigs, spider mites, aphids, thrips, cutworms, and slugs. Control by using special insecticides.