Dianthus chinensis aka Japanese Pink
Taxonomy
Dianthus chinensis, commonly known as rainbow pink or China pink (Chinese: 石竹 shí zhú), is a very variable species native to northern China, Korea, Mongolia, and southeastern Russia. It is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 30-50 cm tall. While it is a short-lived perennial, plants bred from this species are often cultivated as annuals or biennials. The single flowers have fringed edges and are typically pink, although they can also be white or red, often with a dark purple central ring or eye. China pinks bloom in spring and early summer, producing small flowers that come in a variety of colors, including bicolor blooms. In USDA plant hardiness zones 6 through 9, they are considered short-lived perennials but are commonly treated as biennials due to their limited lifespan of around two years.
Common names
Japanese Pink, Dianthus, Indian PinkHow to care for Japanese Pink
Difficulty
Japanese Pink presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Water
Japanese Pink should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Japanese Pink loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Japanese Pink thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Indian Pink.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it's common for Japanese Pink to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Japanese Pink is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
No additional humidity is required for the Japanese Pink. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
The growth rate of Japanese Pink is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
The Japanese Pink is a clump-forming species, with new growth originating from the soil surrounding the main plant.
Region of origin
Japanese Pink’s native range is Europe and Asia.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Dianthus Genus
Dianthus armeria Deptford Pink
Dianthus chinensis Japanese Pink
Dianthus caryophyllus Carnation
Dianthus plumarius Clove Pink
Dianthus gratianopolitanus Cheddar Pink
Dianthus deltoides Maiden Pink
Dianthus acicularis Zhen Ye Shi Zhu
Dianthus sylvestris Wood Pink
