Dianthus plant named ‘DCACR08-0’

A new and distinct Dianthus cultivar named ‘DCACR08-0’ is disclosed, characterized by continuous flowering on floriferous plants hardy to USDA Zone 3. Flowers are semi-double and bright, dark pink. The new variety is a Dianthus, typically produced as a garden or container plant.

Latin name of the genus and species:Dianthus hybrida.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The new cultivar is a product of chance discovery. The new variety originated as a spontaneous whole plant mutation discovered among a commercial planting of mixedDianthus hybridavarieties. The parent is unknown. ‘DCACR08-0’ was discovered by the inventor, Steve Jones, at a commercial greenhouse in Santa Paula, Calif. during Summer of 2014.

Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar ‘DCACR08-0’ was first performed in Santa Paula, Calif. at a commercial greenhouse by vegetative cuttings in Summer of 2014. ‘DCACR08-0’ has since produced several generations and has shown that the unique features of this cultivar are stable and reproduced true to type.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be the unique characteristics of ‘DCACR08-0’. These characteristics in combination distinguish ‘DCACR08-0’ as a new and distinctDianthuscultivar:1. Floriferous plants.2. Suitability for both garden and container uses.3. Dark and bright pink flower colored near Red-Purple 61A with a white petal base.4. Continuous flowering from Spring through Fall. Repeat flowering enhanced by removal of spent flowers.5. Hardy to USDA zone 36. Semi-double flower with an average of 15 to 20 petals.

COMMERCIAL COMPARISON

Plants of the new cultivar ‘DCACR08-0’ are comparable to the commercialDianthusvariety ‘DCACR06-0’, filed concurrently. The twoDianthusvarieties are similar in most horticultural characteristics; however, the new variety ‘DCACR08-0’ produces a flower with a different red-purple color, mainly darker and having less purple tones.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘DCACR08-0’ can also be compared to the commercialDianthusvariety ‘DDTHP02-0’, U.S. Plant Pat. No. 28,102. These varieties are similar in most horticultural characteristics; however ‘DCACR08-0’ produces a dark red-purple flower, compared to the lighter purple flower of this comparator.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

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 ‘DCACR08-0’ plants in a commercial greenhouse in Santa Paula, Calif. Temperatures ranged from 10° C. to 29° 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 hybrida‘DCACR08-0’.

PROPAGATION

Time to initiate roots: About 10 days at approximately 24° C.Time to produce a rooted cutting: About 18 days at 24 ° C.Root description: Fibrous roots, approximately 1 to 3 mm in diameter, colored near Orange-White 159C.

PLANT

FOLIAGE

Leaf:Node diameter.—4 mm.Node length.—3 mm.Arrangement.—Opposite (in pairs).Quantity.—Approximately 6-10 fully expanded per stem. Average range of 2 to 6 immature leaves per stem.Average length.—Approximately 5.2 cm.Average width.—Approximately 0.7 cm.Shape of blade.—Linear.Apex.—Acute.Base.—Clasping.Attachment.—Sessile.Margin.—Entire.Texture of top surface.—Smooth.Texture of bottom surface.—Smooth.Pubescence.—None.Color.—Young foliage upper side: Near RHS Green 137A. Young foliage under side: Near RHS Green 137A. Mature foliage upper side: Near RHS Green 137A. Mature foliage under side: Near RHS Green 137B.Venation.—Type: Linear with a prominent mid vein on underside. Venation color upper side: Indistinguishable from foliage. Venation color under side: Indistinguishable from foliage.

FLOWER

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS