I just sent away for a new dianthus from the Scent First series called Scent First Sugar Plum. I think these are patented hybrids and I'm sure they won't come true from seed, IF they even produce any seeds. I was wondering how hard it would be to root cuttings from these plants in case I want them in more than one place in the yard. I hope they are as pretty and fragrant as they are advertised to be. Here's a link to a picture and some info on this plant:
http://www.skagitgardens.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=199
Linda
Success in rooting with cuttings
Linda,
See the following discussion in this thread, with several of my posts near the end.
How to propogate perennial dianthus?
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1032219/
This post, which discusses layering, has the information you are looking for. I find that it is much easier to work with the Dianthus in large pots. Remember the plants must be done blooming and the new stalks must be soft. Review this post:
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/fp.php?pid=8217434
I have successfully rooted cut Carnations, from a flower stop, using techniques I discuss here:
Cloning Cut Carnations Flowers (Dianthus caryophyllus)
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1226880/
Attached is a photograph of one purple Carnation cutting which I rooted and which flowered indoors on 2012-02-19 only to die a month later from root-rot. I will be posting more on this later but I mention it here to show that even cut Carnations can be rooted but it is extremely difficult if the stalks are not soft. For now, my best advice is to stick with layering.
Mike
Thanks for the input, Mike,
I wish you could have gotten that purple carnation plant going. I bet it was beautiful - I love purple anything! Good luck on that.
I can't wait to grow this new dianthus and am looking forward to seeing if it has a really nice scent, as advertised. Fragrance in any plant is an added bonus and I hope this new one I'm adding to my flower bed will be really smelly!
I will definitely try rooting some more of these plants using your directions and the tips mentioned in the messages you included. Wish me luck, and I'll post here with results.
Thanks again,
Linda
Linda,
While looking for Dianthus seed sources in the UK, I came across this fantastic video on Dianthus propagation from cuttings. I have been reading about how to do this but there is nothing like a hands on video. Not only are your shown what to do, you are shown what not do and why.
Whetman Pinks – Propagation
http://www.whetmanpinks.com/propagation.html
And no, they don’t ship to the United States either!
Mike
Thanks Mike. I'll study this video and thanks for posting this for me! I've received the above forementioned dianthus and the plant is very nice and healthy. I can't wait to see a bloom or two, and will post when it does bloom.
Linda
I found this post on starting very small Dianthus cuttings on sterile media. More research is needed but this looks like it may work for the typical hobbyist. What is need is a step-by-step DIY for this technique.
sterile plant culture
http://www.thinkoholic.com/2010/01/24/sterile-plant-culture/
sterile plant culture
http://www.thinkoholic.com/photo-gallery/?album=559
Mike
I will read these over Mike. I had some Butterfly Bush cuttings, a red NOID Dianthus, and a Gaillardia sent to me this year. All came from Florida and had very tiny roots. None made it. I was so very disappointed and want to learn more about rooting cuttings successfully. I did not use sterile media and that may be where I made a mistake. Thanks for posting these links!
Linda