carnation
Dianthus 'Spangled Star'
Overview
Carnation (Dianthus 'Spangled Star') is an amazing flowering plant that just radiates with vibrancy. Its double blooms come in a variety of eye-catching shades, from whites, pinks, reds, violets and comination thereof, and are marked with dark lines and blotches which highlight their intricate beauty. In addition to their stunning colors, the carnation flowers' wavy, scallop-edged petals add even more visual texture. These flowers make wonderful additions to any garden, as they are not only quite striking but require very minimal maintenance. They're a surefire way to brighten up any garden!
Care Guide
Watering
Carnations (Dianthus 'Spangled Star') look great in pots and flowerbeds. They need regular, consistent watering throughout the summer months. Water the plants at least once a week, making sure to water deeply so that the entire root system is saturated. If the soil is sandy, then water more often to keep the soil consistently moist. During hot weather, water carnations daily. In the early morning or evening is the best time to water them, as this will help to prevent evaporation and not encourage disease, especially powdery mildew. Carnations should never dry out, and if they receive too little water their leaves will start to droop.
Light
Carnations of the variety Dianthus 'Spangled Star' appreciate a sunny spot for at least 6 hours per day. The most beneficial time of day for sunlight is from 10am to 4pm, when the sun is at its highest in the sky and the exposure is strongest. Aim for about 1 inch of direct exposure per hour. Avoid the full heat and drought of the summer late afternoon sun which can damage the delicate and thin petals of this variety, causing the leaves to yellow and wilt. In the winter months, provide the Carnation 'Spangled Star' with the maximum sunlight possible as they can still thrive in cold, provided there’s adequate sun.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 4–8.
Pruning
Carnations (Dianthus 'Spangled Star') should be pruned every few days during the growing season, and twice a year after blooming. In most climates, the growing season is from April to September. To prune, use clean, sharp shears to remove wilted flower heads and foliage that is yellowing or showing signs of damage. Make sure to clean your shears with rubbing alcohol before and after pruning. Cut the stems back to the main stem, to a point just above a set of healthy leaves. You can also cut a few inches off the ends of the stems to help stimulate more blooms. Keep in mind, however, that overwatering and too much fertilizer can lead to excessive foliage growth, so it may be necessary to prune more often throughout the season.
Propagation
Division, Cutting, Layering Propagation, Grafting Propagation
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