Pot-prince White W.eye

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Caryophyllaceae or Caryophyllaceae.

Order

Caryophyllales

Genus

Dianthus

Species

caryophyllus

Description

A perennial ornamental herbaceous plant that lends a unique decorative accent with its prolonged flowering in a profusion of flowers, single or double, often fragrant and with a wide colour variability depending on the variety, borne at the top of the slender stems, creating highly landscaped views. Easy to cultivate, it is suitable for flowerbeds and outdoor tubs as well as indoors, in luminous verandas.

Species video

https://youtu.be/nCobsupR-Cw

Variety description

A very compact and re-blooming carnation, it holds up very well both in warm climates and in its natural cool habitat, where it flowers for a long period. Within the series there is a wide range of colours. It has a pleasant fragrance.

Curiosities and special features

The common carnation is loved not only by landscapers and garden enthusiasts but also by florists who use the flower stems of the taller varieties for fresh arrangements and bouquets.

Origin and distribution

The genus Dianthus comprises around 300 species, among them D. caryophyllus , native to the Balkan peninsula and now present, following intensive hybridisation, in the temperate biomes of Europe with a wide assortment of cultivars with flowers of different colour shades.

Flower size

The flower individually is average compared to that of other varieties of the same botanical species.

Leaf

The leaves have a thin lanceolate lamina.

Flowering period

The luxuriant flowering lasts from mid-winter to summer for between 90 and 200 days, allowing you to add colour and elegance to your green spaces for a long time.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence head borne at the top of slender herbaceous stems.

Leaf colour

Solid-coloured, in perfect colour balance with the colour tones of the inflorescences.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.15 to 0.2 m, making it possible to create single homogenous groups as well as mixed compositions with other ornamentals of different development.

Lifespan

Herbaceous perennial.

Where to plant

The luxuriant flowering with its wide colour variability makes the common carnation suitable for use in:

Outdoor ornamental

Stem

The stem is herbaceous and erect; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is double, medium-sized, with a pinkish corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in small head-like inflorescences. It flowers from mid-winter to summer, with a flowering period of between 90 and 200 days. It is mildly scented, with a delicate aroma. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

The compact growth allows for dense covers similar to coloured pads.

Plant habit

Variety with a globose habitus delineated by the cespitose foliage at the base and the roundness of the inflorescences.

Branching

The abundant branching creates a balanced relationship between foliage and inflorescences with a cohesive and compact final effect.

PH

The ideal pH of the soil or cultivation medium for carnations is between 5.5 and 6.8.

Soil preparation

Before spring transplanting, carry out light digging 20/30 cm deep by removing any weeds and bulky stones or residues from previous crops, continue by breaking up the more compact clods to obtain greater softness. Finally, add professional quality substrate on the surface for about 5/10 cm preparing the planting holes according to a suitable density.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

For better development followed by abundant flowering we recommend the following exposures: Light source indoors, Half shade, Full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 10 and 16 °C for optimal vegetative growth and luxuriant flowering. The vital temperature is between -3 and 40 °C.

Use

Versatile, because of its bearing and spectacular flowering it is suitable for adding a unique accent of colour to flowerbeds , balconies, planters, outdoor tubs. The common carnation is popular for adorning both small spaces and larger green areas, assuming considerable ornamental value.

Hardiness

Ahighly hardy variety, it withstands hot summer climates well with irrigation in proportion to its needs.

Soil

The common carnation prefers a peaty, well-draining soil; for planters or tubs, use a high-quality substrate for spring plants.

Difficulty

Easy cultivation and low maintenance add value to the variety.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation measures to achieve the best growth and flowering results:

Avoid over-watering Keep the substrate moist at all times Can also be planted in flowerbeds in full sun. Requires regular abundant fertilisation

Combinations with other plants

Striking and scenic Compositions with other ornamentals such as Calocephalus, Cineraria maritima, Cuphea, Euphorbia hypericifolia, Iberis will create harmonious overall movements and elegant colour combinations.

Planting

In a flower bed, apply an average density of 25 plants per square metre to allow for proper growth of each individual specimen, resulting in compact, uniform groups of foliage from which will emerge profusions of flowers with a final scenic effect.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively sub-acidic aqueduct water, either manually or by irrigation. Immediately after transplanting, water thoroughly and assist the seedling in the early stages of development in the new planting site by keeping it at a constant humidity and preventing dryness. Subsequently keep the substrate or soil moist but free from waterlogging, which can lead to the development of fungal diseases and root rot. It is also advisable not to water the plant from above during the evening hours so as not to damage the flowers and to prevent the development of phytopathologies.

Fertilising

Following transplanting, after proper settling in the new planting site, regularly apply a specific balanced fertiliser for flowering ornamental plants to the soil or medium at the foot of the plant, to be distributed liquid, i.e. diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the frequency or dosage.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Pet safety

Toxic for domestic animals such as dogs and cats as well as horses; consider the specific case.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible ornamental Species.

Tip

It is suggested to always remove dry flowers in order not to make the plant fructify and thus prolong flowering.