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Description
Dianthus Grey Dove, also known as Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Grey Dove’, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae. This plant is native to Europe, and it is known for its delicate and beautiful flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. The flowers have a unique fragrance, which is a mix of clove and honey.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Dianthus |
Appearance
Dianthus Grey Dove has greyish-green foliage that forms a mat-like ground cover. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, and they grow up to 2 inches long. The flowers of Dianthus Grey Dove are pinkish-lavender, and they have a unique pattern of dark purple dots in the center. The flowers grow up to 1 inch in diameter, and they have five petals that are deeply notched, giving them a fringed appearance. The plant grows up to 8 inches tall and 12 inches wide.
Care Guide
To keep your Dianthus Grey Dove healthy, you need to follow some basic care instructions. Here are some tips:
Water: Dianthus Grey Dove requires moderate watering. Water the plant once a week, and avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Soil: Dianthus Grey Dove prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. You can add compost or peat moss to the soil to improve its fertility.
Sunlight: Dianthus Grey Dove requires full sun to partial shade to thrive. Make sure the plant receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: Dianthus Grey Dove is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dianthus Grey Dove is susceptible to some common pests and diseases. Here are some of them:
Pests: The plant may be attacked by aphids, spider mites, and thrips. You can control these pests by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Diseases: Dianthus Grey Dove can be affected by root rot, powdery mildew, and rust. Proper watering and good air circulation can help prevent these diseases. If the plant is infected, you can use fungicides to control the spread.
Habitat
Dianthus Grey Dove is native to Europe, and it grows in rocky and mountainous areas. The plant prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate dry conditions. It is commonly grown in rock gardens, borders, and containers.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Dianthus Grey Dove a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Dianthus Grey Dove is a relatively easy plant to grow and care for, making it a good choice for beginners.
Q: Can I grow Dianthus Grey Dove indoors?
A: No, Dianthus Grey Dove is an outdoor plant that requires full sun to partial shade to thrive.
Q: How often should I fertilize Dianthus Grey Dove?
A: You should fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Dianthus Grey Dove tolerate cold temperatures?
A: Yes, Dianthus Grey Dove is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and can tolerate cold temperatures.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that are similar to Dianthus Grey Dove:
- Dianthus ‘Firewitch’
- Dianthus ‘Bath’s Pink’
- Dianthus ‘Frosty Fire’
- Dianthus ‘Heart Attack’
References
- “Dianthus gratianopolitanus.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=291008.
- “Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Grey Dove’.” Plant Finder, www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1332/grey-dove-pink/.
- “Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Grey Dove’.” RHS, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/53229/Dianthus-gratianopolitanus-Grey-Dove/Details.
