Dianthus Flower

Dianthus flowers belong to the Dianthus genus of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae. This genus alone has more than 300 species and countless introduced cultivars present in it. Commonly known as 'pink', Sweet William (miniature variety), and carnation (large double variety), this genus offers plenty of flowering plants for one's landscape; both indoors and outdoors. This pretty pink and white frilled flowers name has been derived from two Greek words dios and anthos meaning god and flower, respectively.

Information about Dianthus Flower

Native mainly to Europe and Asia, these flowers are now one of the most popular garden flowers grown. The large number of species that it offers, has plants that are annual, biennial and perennial. Low growing, dianthus plants are shrubby in nature with woody basal stems. The foliage is placed opposite, simple and liner in shape with grey-green to blue-green colored leaves found on stems. Flowers are borne on end of each stem; alone or in clusters. Single petaled flowers have five frills, and margin petals. Most flower colors come in all possible hues and shades of pink, red or white, either alone as a combination. A few varieties are being developed to include other colors such as yellow or orange too.

Planting Dianthus
Dianthus flowers bloom mid-to late spring, and depending upon the variety, this plant can be propagated through layering and clump division for perennials, or seeds for biennial or annuals. The best time for layering is midsummer. Choose a healthy parent plant and select a long strong shoot. Remove its lower leaves, look for a undeveloped leaf node, bending it lightly from that point, push it in the soil. Use a pin to hold the stem down. Continue watering, in a couple of weeks the buried node will sprout roots. Once you noticed a few new leaf sprouts, severe the shoot from the mother plant. Divide clumps and replant. For sowing seeds, simply fill a pot with moist sowing medium. Sprinkle seeds evenly and cover with a thin layer of sandy soil. Cover pot with plastic or newspaper. The trapped moisture will speed the seed germination process. Once the seedling reaches a six leaf stage, transplant to the intended location.

Plant Care
Dianthus should be grown in locations that are sunny for temperate places, and slightly shady for very hot areas. They can be grown in pots as well as flower beds. The soil should be loose, well-drained and neutral to slightly alkaline. The soil should be light and airy, hence avoid too much compost or fertilizing. Plant the dianthus about 10-12 inches apart, to give them enough space to spread. In pots, depending upon the size plant, no more than two at a time.

Water adequately, just enough to keep the soil moist. Dry spells will cause the plant to wither, whereas over-watering will turn their foliage yellow. To promote lateral branching and to make the plant bushy, pinch off main growth after it grows to eight inches. To encourage more blooms, pinch off deadheads regularly. Hold on to a few flowers if you want to collect seeds. Fertilize with a light fertilizer every forthright during the bloom period. For the perennial variety, divide dianthus clumps every 2 to 3 years, this will help them to produce more flowers.

So this is all about dianthus and how to care for them. Have lots of these sparkles around your landscape, to enjoy them to the extreme.