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Description
Dianthus Haematocalyx, commonly known as the scarlet cushion, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. This plant is native to Turkey and is known for its beautiful, bright red flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. The plant grows up to a height of 15-20 cm and has a spread of 20-30 cm.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Dianthus |
Appearance
Dianthus Haematocalyx has a rounded shape with a dense growth of leaves. The leaves are narrow, gray-green, and about 1-2 cm long. The flowers are bright red, with a diameter of 2-3 cm and have a sweet fragrance. Each stem can produce up to 5 flowers. The plant blooms for about 4-6 weeks, and the flowers are perfect for cut flowers.
Care Guide
To grow Dianthus Haematocalyx successfully, you need to follow these care tips:
Water
The plant requires moderate watering during the growing season. Ensure that the soil is moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, and do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer every four weeks, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Soil
The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5.
Sunlight
Dianthus Haematocalyx requires full sunlight to grow correctly. It can tolerate partial shade, but it will not bloom as well as it does in full sun.
Hardiness Zones
The plant can thrive in hardiness zones 4-8, which means it can tolerate temperatures as low as -34°C.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dianthus Haematocalyx is susceptible to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and rust. It can also be infested by spider mites, thrips, and aphids. To prevent these problems, ensure that the plant is well-ventilated, and avoid overwatering. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests.
Habitat
Dianthus Haematocalyx is native to Turkey and grows in rocky areas, meadows, and open woodlands. It prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow Dianthus Haematocalyx in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow Dianthus Haematocalyx in a container. Ensure that the container has drainage holes and use well-drained soil.
Q: Can Dianthus Haematocalyx tolerate drought?
A: No, Dianthus Haematocalyx cannot tolerate drought. Ensure that the soil is moist, but not waterlogged.
Q: How often should I fertilize Dianthus Haematocalyx?
A: Fertilize the plant every four weeks during the growing season, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: How do I propagate Dianthus Haematocalyx?
A: You can propagate Dianthus Haematocalyx by division or by taking cuttings. The best time to propagate the plant is in spring or fall.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Dianthus Haematocalyx:
- Dianthus barbatus (Sweet William)
- Dianthus chinensis (Chinese pinks)
- Dianthus deltoides (Maiden pinks)
- Dianthus gratianopolitanus (Cheddar pink)
References
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/dianthus-haematocalyx-scarlet-cushion
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/dianthus/scarlet-cushion-info.htm
- https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/dianthus-haematocalyx/
