French Pink
dianthus gallicus
Also known as: ["French Pink","Garden Pink"]
Overview
A perennial flowering plant with fragrant, pinkish-purple flowers and grass-like foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Dianthus |
| Botanical Name: | Dianthus gallicus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, borders, or containers in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly alkaline soil with added organic matter (e.g., compost or aged manure).
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; lightly prune throughout the growing season to remove dead or leggy growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate. Avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to rejuvenate older plants.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight if moved from shade. Protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates to prevent scorching. Outdoor placement is ideal, but ensure adequate light indoors if grown as a houseplant.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid placing near large windows with direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cooler nights and can withstand light frosts.
Avoid placing near heat sources; protect from frost in winter; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing when blooms fade; use a low-nitrogen formula to avoid excessive foliage growth.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings are the most common method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant once rooted.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer, when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid, and bright but indirect light. Protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–4 weeks; plants can be transplanted after 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; trim back leggy stems to just above a leaf node; shape the plant as needed.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and promote flowering. Remove spent blooms to prolong blooming period.
Tools
Sharp pruning shears, clean scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or diseased growth; shape lightly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot).
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Young plants may need repotting annually.
Checklist
Choose a clean pot; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if needed; water after repotting; place in a shaded area for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone. Apply until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even saturation without waterlogging. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves) in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress; wilting in extreme temperatures.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback, though the plant is generally cold-hardy.
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter (e.g., mulch, row covers). Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in cool, damp conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; follow package instructions.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicDianthus gallicus is not toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in felines after ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicDianthus gallicus is not toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicDianthus gallicus, commonly known as French pink, is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Dianthus gallicus be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does French Pink attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its fragrant flowers.
Q: Is Dianthus gallicus toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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