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Description
Dianthus Repens, commonly known as creeping pink, is a low-growing perennial plant that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is native to the Alps and other mountainous regions of Europe, where it grows in rocky areas, meadows, and forests. The plant is distinguished by its mat-forming habit, which makes it an excellent groundcover plant. It has slender stems that are covered with small linear green leaves, and it produces small pink or white flowers in summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Dianthus |
| Species | Repens |
Appearance
Dianthus Repens is a low-growing plant that typically reaches a height of 10-15 cm and spreads up to 30 cm. It has slender stems that are covered with linear green leaves that are about 2 cm long. The leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem and have a slightly waxy texture. The plant produces small pink or white flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter. The flowers have five petals that are deeply notched and have a delicate, spicy fragrance. The blooms appear in summer and attract bees and other pollinators.
Care Guide
Dianthus Repens is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require some attention to ensure optimal growth and performance.Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is kept evenly moist. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Amend the soil with organic matter to improve its texture and fertility.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in poor growth and fewer flowers.Hardiness Zones: Dianthus Repens is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dianthus Repens is relatively pest-free, but it can be susceptible to some diseases, including root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. These diseases can be prevented by ensuring proper soil drainage, good air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering. The plant can also be affected by spider mites and aphids, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Dianthus Repens is native to the Alps and other mountainous regions of Europe, where it grows in rocky areas, meadows, and forests. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The plant can be grown in borders, rock gardens, or as a groundcover.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Dianthus Repens be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Dianthus Repens can be grown in containers as long as it has well-draining soil and receives adequate sunlight.Q: How often should I fertilize Dianthus Repens?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Q: What is the ideal growing temperature for Dianthus Repens?
A: Dianthus Repens prefers cool to moderate temperatures and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°C.Q: How often should I water Dianthus Repens?
A: Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions.
Related Plants
- Dianthus Gratianopolitanus
- Dianthus Caryophyllus
- Dianthus Barbatus
- Dianthus Chinensis
References
- “Dianthus repens.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c666 on 19 August 2021.
- “Dianthus repens.” Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/9211/Dianthus-repens/Details on 19 August 2021.
- “Creeping Pink (Dianthus repens).” Gardenia.net. Retrieved from https://www.gardenia.net/plant/dianthus-repens-creeping-pink on 19 August 2021.
