Dianthus plants, commonly known as garden pinks, Sweet William, and carnations, can suffer from various pests and diseases. Some common pests that affect Dianthus plants include:
1. Aphids: These small, pear-shaped insects can cause damage by sucking the sap from leaves and injecting poison into plants. Aphids can be managed by introducing predators or parasites such as ladybirds and parasitic wasps of the Aphidiidae genus[1].
2. Spider mites: These tiny arachnids can infest the undersides of leaves, causing light yellowing and a generally unhealthy appearance. Regular monitoring and thoroughly washing plants with a hard hose spray can help prevent damage[1][5].
3. Thrips: These tiny insects suck the sap from leaves, leaving a white mottled appearance. They can also cause browning on petals and fruit, and flower drop[4].
4. Caterpillars: These pests can cause damage by eating leaves and flower buds, leaving holes in leaves and distorting foliage[4].
5. Slugs and snails: These pests can cause damage to leaves and flowers, and can be kept away by using a ring of sharp sand around the plant or surrounding the plant with wire[3].
To treat pest infestations, you can apply insecticidal soap or neem oil until all signs of an infestation are gone[2]. You can also use a jet of water to blast aphids off the plants[3]. Additionally, you can introduce predatory mites like Neoseiulus fallacis to control spider mite infestations[5]. Regular monitoring and timely interventions can help prevent damage to your Dianthus plants.
Citations:
[1] https://www.ehow.co.uk/info_8234471_dianthus-problems.html
[2] https://www.thespruce.com/perennial-dianthus-flower-1316045
[3] https://www.sarahraven.com/articles/how-to-plant-and-grow-dianthus
[4] https://www.yates.co.nz/plants/flowers-and-ornamentals/dianthus/common-problems-dianthus/
[5] https://portal.ct.gov/CAES/Plant-Pest-Handbook/pphC/Carnation-Pinks-Dianthus
Applications in folk medicine:
- Strengthens the uterine musculature
- stops bleeding
- Uses:
- flowering leaf
