Summer Management Methods and Care Points for Dianthus plumarius

Dianthus plumarius, commonly known as groundcover dianthus, belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae and the genus Dianthus. It is native to Austria and Siberia, is a perennial herb, and looks overall like a bluegrass-type lawn. It is an excellent material for arranging flowerbeds, flower borders and large-scale planting. Because Dianthus plumarius has a long flowering period, bright flower colors, blooms in three seasons, stays evergreen all year round, and is drought-tolerant and cold-tolerant, it has been widely introduced in recent years. In summer, due to high temperatures and relatively abundant rain, the roots of dianthus are very prone to rot.

Watering: Since Dianthus plumarius is tolerant of drought and poor soil, the timing and frequency of watering should be flexible according to dry weather conditions and soil moisture. In water management, follow the principle of preferring dry over wet. If there is a long drought with no rain and the weather is dry, the frequency of watering can be appropriately increased. During the plum rain season or after heavy rain, attention should be paid to drainage to prevent waterlogging of the lawn and death of seedlings from flooding. According to lawn management experience, after each flowering and pruning of Dianthus plumarius, water promptly and apply 10 kg-15 kg of compound fertilizer per mu to promote seedling growth and earlier flowering next time. For newly planted Dianthus plumarius, the first rooting water must be thoroughly watered, and afterward, water again every 2-3 days as needed.

Pruning: Pruning plays a very important role in the management of Dianthus plumarius. Proper pruning can make the lawn grow vigorously, develop a well-developed root system and bloom profusely. The flowering period of Dianthus plumarius lasts continuously from late spring to autumn, and after each bloom fades, the flower stems should be pruned. For newly planted seedlings, to promote growth and reduce nutrient consumption, they are generally not allowed to bloom. Pruning is carried out after the flowers fade in late June to early July. The pruning height should be suitable to destroy the growth points of most branches, so as to promote more tillering and faster lawn formation, generally retaining about 8 cm-9 cm. The last pruning is carried out from late August to early September. This pruning lays the foundation for dianthus to overwinter smoothly and grow robustly the following year. Therefore, it should be properly heavy pruning to increase its winter cold resistance and ornamental effect, generally retaining a height of about 5 cm.

Pest and disease control: Dianthus plumarius has strong adaptability and extensive management, and insect pests rarely occur. Pests and diseases mainly occur in the high-temperature season from July to September in summer, mainly including damping-off and wilt. Control methods:

(1) Immediately after each pruning, spray carbendazim and chlorothalonil once.

(2) Once diseased plants are found, pull them out immediately and burn them in a centralized manner, then disinfect the soil before replanting.

(3) Drain promptly to prevent waterlogging of the lawn.