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Description
The Dianthus Starlette, also known as the Starlette Sweet William, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is native to Europe and has been cultivated for its beautiful flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Dianthus |
Appearance
The Dianthus Starlette grows up to 12 inches tall and 8 inches wide. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are greyish-green in color. The flowers are pink in color and have a fringed edge, giving them a unique and beautiful appearance. They bloom in late spring and early summer and attract bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
The Dianthus Starlette is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips to help you care for your plant:
Water
Water your plant regularly, but make sure not to overwater it. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilization
Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil
The Dianthus Starlette prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. If your soil is too acidic, add some lime to raise the pH level.
Sunlight
The Dianthus Starlette prefers full sun to partial shade. Make sure to plant it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
The Dianthus Starlette is hardy in zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Dianthus Starlette is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Watch out for aphids, spider mites, and thrips, and treat them with insecticidal soap if necessary.
Habitat
The Dianthus Starlette is native to Europe and can be found growing in meadows, fields, and rocky slopes. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Dianthus Starlette?
A: Water your plant regularly, but make sure not to overwater it. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Q: What is the ideal soil pH level for the Dianthus Starlette?
A: The Dianthus Starlette prefers slightly alkaline soil with a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5.
Q: When do the flowers of the Dianthus Starlette bloom?
A: The flowers of the Dianthus Starlette bloom in late spring and early summer.
Q: How tall does the Dianthus Starlette grow?
A: The Dianthus Starlette grows up to 12 inches tall.
Related Plants
- Dianthus barbatus
- Dianthus chinensis
- Dianthus deltoides
- Dianthus gratianopolitanus
References
- “Dianthus Starlette.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e486.
- “Dianthus Starlette – Starlette Sweet William.” Gardenia.net, www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/dianthus-starlette-starlette-sweet-william.
- “Dianthus Starlette.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/129533/Dianthus-Starlette/Details.
