Dianthus superbus aka Fringed Pink

Taxonomy

Dianthus superbus, also known as the fringed pink or large pink, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe and northern Asia. It can be found in various regions, ranging from northernmost Spain and France to arctic Norway and east to Japan. In the southern part of its range, it thrives at high altitudes, reaching up to 2,400 m. This evergreen perennial forms cushions of grey-green narrow leaves. During the summer, it produces long-stemmed pink flowers with five fringed petals that are not only visually appealing but also emit a delightful sweet scent. These flowers, which range in color from pink to lavender with a greenish base, typically measure 3-5 cm in diameter. They are clustered in branched formations at the top of the stems and bloom from early to late summer. Dianthus superbus can grow up to 80 cm tall, and its slender leaves can reach a length of 8 cm. Within this species, there are six subspecies, each with its own unique characteristics and distribution. Notably, Dianthus superbus is the sole food source for the large moth Coleophora musculella.

Common names

Fringed Pink, Large Pink

How to care for Fringed Pink

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Fringed Pink is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Fringed Pink should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Fringed 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

To ensure optimal growth, the Fringed Pink prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Fringed Pink plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

The Fringed Pink does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Fringed Pink grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Fringed Pink’s native range is Europe and Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia