<i>Dianthus </i>plant named ‘PINK FIRE’

Abstract

A new and distinct cultivar of Dianthus plant named PINK FIRE is disclosed, characterized by fully double flowers, and intense clove fragrance. Plants rebloom in Autumn. The new variety is a Dianthus, typically produced as a garden or container plant.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Dianthus plant named PINK FIRE as herein illustrated and described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

(1) The accompanying photograph in FIG. 1 illustrates in full color a typical plant of PINK FIRE grown outdoors in West Newbury, Mass. This plant is approximately 10 months old, shown in the ground.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up view of a flower.

(3) The photographs were taken using conventional techniques and although colors may appear different from actual colors due to light reflectance it is as accurate as possible by conventional photographic techniques.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

(4) In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Colour Chart, 2007, except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe PINK FIRE plants in a commercial greenhouse in West Newbury, Mass. Temperatures ranged from 6 C. to 35 C. night and day. No artificial light, photoperiodic treatments or chemical treatments were given to the plants. Natural light conditions were approximately 2500 to 4000 fc of light. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types. Botanical classification: Dianthus grantianopolitanus PINK FIRE.

PROPAGATION

(5) Time to initiate roots: About 10 days at approximately 24 C. Time to produce a rooted cutting: About 18 days at 24 C.

PLANT

(6) Pot size: 2 gallon. Plant type: Compact mounding perennial. Plant spread: Approximately 31 cm. Height: Approximately 15 cm. Growth rate: Quick. Length plant stem: Average 11 cm. Diameter of plant stem: Approximately 4-6 mm. Quantity stems: 86. Stem: Color.Near RHS Greyed-Green 194A. Texture.Woody. Cross-section.Slightly angular, not hollow. Internode length: Average 2 cm. 3 to 4 internodes per stem. Internodes moderately thick. Age of plant described: Approximately 8 months from a rooted cutting.

FOLIAGE

(7) Leaf: Arrangement.Opposite and spiraling up the stem. Quantity.Approximately 9 per stem. Average length.Approximately 9 cm. Average width.Approximately 4 mm. Shape of blade.Linear. Apex.Acute. Base.Decurrent. Attachment.Sheathing. Margin.Entire. Texture of top surface.Glabrous. Texture of bottom surface.Glabrous. Pubescence.None. Attitude.Weakly recurved. Color.Young foliage upper side: Near RHS Greyed-Green 191A. Young foliage under side: Near RHS Greyed-Green 191A. Mature foliage upper side: Near RHS Yellow-Green 146A. Mature foliage under side: Near RHS Yellow-Green 146A. Venation.Type: One central vein. Venation color upper side: Near RHS Yellow-Green 144A. Venation color under side: Near RHS Yellow-Green N144D.

FLOWER

(8) Natural flowering season: Late Spring to Summer and again in early Fall. Flower type: Fully double. Flower longevity on plant: 2-3 days. Quantity of flowers: 25-30 on a 1 gallon plant. Flowers persistent or self-cleaning: Self-cleaning. Fragrance: Strong clove scent. Inflorescence: Flowers per.On average 1 to 3. Total diameter.Average range 2 to 8 cm. Height.Approximately 4 to 5 cm. Position above foliage.Moderately above foliage. Individual flower size: Diameter.Approximately 2 cm. Length.Approximately 3 cm. Petals: Shape.Linear base, deltoid uppermost section. Petal arrangement.Fully double, whorled. Margin.Dentate. Many deep incisions. Apex.Dentate lobes. Length.1 cm. Width.1 cm. Petal quantity.Average 18. Texture.Glabrous all surfaces. Aspect.Mostly flat. Color: When opening.Upper surface: Near RHS Red-Purple 72A. Lower surface: Near RHS Red-Purple 70B. Fully opened.Upper surface: Near RHS Red-Purple 70B with few to moderate Red-Purple 59A striations. Lower surface: Near RHS Red-Purple N74A at the tip, fading to Purple 76B at the base. Fading.Upper surface: Near RHS Red-Purple 70B with moderate Red-Purple 59A striations. Lower surface: Near RHS Red-Purple N74A at the tip, fading to Purple 76B at the base. Petal linear base: General description: Tube consists of the elongated, unfused base of the petals. Tube shape caused by a fused calyx. Length.2 cm. Width.3 mm. Texture.Smooth. Color: When opening.Upper surface: Near RHS Yellow-Green 149D. Lower surface: Near RHS Yellow-Green 149D. Fully opened.Upper surface: Near RHS Yellow-Green 149D. Lower surface: Near RHS Yellow-Green 149D. Fading.Upper surface: Near RHS Yellow-Green 149D. Lower surface: Near RHS Yellow-Green 149D. Bud: Shape.Cylindrical. Length.Average 1.5 cm. Diameter.Average 7 mm. Color.Near RHS Yellow-Green 144A. Emerging flower color near RHS Red-Purple 72A. Calyx: Shape.Cylindrical. Length.Approximately 1.5 cm. Width.Approximately 3 mm. Margin.Entire. Apex.Acute. Texture.Smooth. Color.Near RHS Yellow-Green 144A. Bracteoles: Shape.Linear. Quantity per flower.2. Length.Approximately 2.5 cm. Width.Approximately 2 mm. Margin.Entire. Texture.Glabrous. Color.Near RHS Green 137A. Peduncle: Length.Average 1 cm. Diameter.1 mm. Color.Near RHS Green 138B. Orientation.Upright. Strength.Strong. Pedicel: Length.Average 4.5 cm. Diameter.1 mm. Color.Near RHS Green 138A. Orientation.Upright. Strength.Strong.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

(9) Stamens: Number.7. Filament length.Approximately 1 cm. Anthers: Shape.Rounded, oblong. Length.Approximately 2 mm. Color.Near RHS Yellow-Green 150D. Pollen.Not observed to date. Pistil: Number.2. Length.Approximately 2 cm. Style.Length: Approximately 1.5 cm. Color: Near RHS White N155D. Stigma.Shape: Linear with a twist at the end. Color: Near RHS Purple N78C. Ovary color: Near RHS Yellow-Green 145B. Ovary shape: Obovate. Ovary diameter: 3 mm. Ovary length: 1.2 cm. Ovary surface texture: Slightly ribbed.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

(10) Seeds and fruits: Very tiny, round, black seed. Approximately 20. Disease/pest resistance: Neither resistance nor susceptibility to the normal diseases and pests of Dianthus has been observed. Typical diseases of Dianthus include: Alternaria dianthicola, Botrytis cinerea, Erwinia chrysanthemi, Pseudomonas caryophylli, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium avenaceum, Fusarium culmorum and Rhizoctonia solani, Typical pests include; various species of Thysanopthera, various Aphis species, and various species of Tetranychus. Temperature tolerance: USDA zones 5 through 10 tolerant.