Garofano

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Caryophyllaceae

Order

Caryophyllales

Genus

Dianthus

Species

barbatus 'Diabunda'

Description

Interspecific hybrid obtained from a cross between Dianthus barbatus (Poets' Carnation) and Dianthus chinensis; perennial, has compact growth and a globular habit. It is easy to grow, requires little care for maintenance and is used in flowerbeds and borders as well as on terraces and balconies as a planter plant, also in compositions with other ornamental species. It shows conspicuous flowering throughout the summer period until early autumn with a profusion of lightly scented, brightly coloured flowers.

Variety description

Compact, perennial plant with a showy, prolonged flowering and a good range of colours.

Curiosities and special features

The generic term, Dianthus, originates from the Greek words theos i.e. 'god' and anthos i.e. 'flower', while Diabunda derives from Dianthus and the English word abundantly in relation to abundant flowering.

Origin and distribution

The varieties on the market are derived from Dianthus barbatus, which is native to the mountainous areas of southern Europe, and Dianthus chinensis, which is native to China and Korea.

Diabunda, obtained by modern hybridisation techniques, perfectly reconciles the merits of the two species as it displays a multi-seasonal and showy flowering, also accentuated by smaller leaves.

Flower size

The flower individually is medium, small compared to other varieties, giving elegance to the lush bloom.

Leaf

Leaf has an elongated, filiform lamina.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from early summer to early autumn and lasts between 90 and 120 days, bringing a colourful accent to your green spaces throughout the summer.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence umbrella.

Leaf colour

Solid colours in perfect colour balance with the flowers.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies between 0.15 and 0.25 m, making it suitable even for small spaces due to its compact development.

Lifespan

Perennial plant.

Where to plant

Widely used, also in compositions with other ornamental species, for outdoor spaces such as flower beds, balconies, terraces, borders, planters

Stem

The stem is herbaceous, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is daisy-shaped, medium-small, with a crown-shaped corolla and edged, shaded petals. It is arranged in medium-sized umbrella inflorescences. It flowers from early summer to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 90 and 120 days. It has sweet notes and is lightly scented, with a delicate aroma. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

A variety with compact growth, ideal for use in pots and planters but also in flowerbeds where it creates dense and harmonious patches of colour.

Plant habit

It develops a globular Plant habit, very decorative.

Branching

The branching is medium and well-proportioned.

PH

It requires a fairly broad Soil/medium pH between 5.0 and 8.0.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting in early spring, carry out light digging 20/30 cm deep, removing any weeds and bulky stones or residues from previous crops, continue by burying organic or chemical fertiliser, which will provide the necessary nutrients for the plant's early development, and continue by breaking up the more compact clods. Finally, add professional quality substrate on the surface for about 5/10 cm preparing the transplanting furrows according to a suitable density.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

An exposure in full sun, half shade will guarantee excellent vegetative growth and flowering results.

Ideal climate and temperature

The biological temperature is between 3 and 35 °C. The ideal temperature is between 10 and 20 °C; it does not tolerate too high temperatures.

Use

Its globular habit and spectacular flowering make it ideal as a plant in
ornamental field

Hardiness

Itis considered to be a highly hardy variety, adapting well to situations that may be difficult for other flowering plants, with the exception of too high temperatures.

Soil

It prefers a peaty, light and well-draining soil; for use in planters or tubs, a substrate for spring plants made of peat with perlite is recommended.

Difficulty

Itis considered an easy plant to grow and maintain, requiring a low level of overall commitment.

Growing tips

For better vegetative development followed by abundant flowering, the following cultivation measures are recommended:

Always keep the substrate moist Exposure to direct light

Combinations with other plants

Ideal in Composition with Antirrhinum majus, Aubrieta, Bacopa, Bellis.

Planting

For bed planting, an average density of 15 per square metre is recommended in order to ensure proper development of each root and aerial apparatus, thus obtaining a compact and well-proportioned formal composition. Position the seedling with the collar above the soil surface, ensuring that the root ball is moist.

Pruning

Remove withered Inflorescences by cutting them off at the base.

Propagation

It can be propagated by taking apical cuttings and rooting them, or alternatively by sowing seeds.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively water from the aqueduct, either by hand or using an irrigation system. When transplanting, assist the seedling in the new site by keeping it at a constant humidity without overdoing it; afterwards always keep the soil or substrate moist but not saturated to prevent water stagnation with subsequent collar or root rot.

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Fertilising

During pre-transplant soil preparation, carry out basic fertilisation by burying organic or chemical fertiliser. Subsequently, during the spring/summer period, apply a specific ornamental fertiliser to the soil or medium at the level of the plant's foot, either liquid fertiliser, i.e. diluted in the irrigation water, or slow-release granular fertiliser, without exceeding the frequency and doses applied.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Pet safety

Ingestion toxicity to pets not known; consider case-specific and do not administer.

Edibility for humans

Species ornamental, not edible.

Toxicity for humans

Toxicity not known, avoid ingestion.

Tip

Water and fertilise regularly but do not overdo it.

It is advisable not to plant the plants in a flowerbed with a sunny exposure at all times.