Also called pinks , these colorful flowering perennials range from flyspeck to towering , some with a Eugenia caryophyllatum - like scent .
Dianthus is the quintessentialcottage garden flower . Also called “ pinks , ” these plants are treasured for their grasslike , grim - green foliage and abundant starry blossom that are often piquantly fragrant . Dianthus varieties range from diminutive creeping groundcovers to tall carnations , which are wide grown as cut flowers . Some have big splotch of deep red , while others sport rings of colour on the edge of their petals . Many flash double prime , and some have heyday clustered at the stalk ’s tip , giving them the face of a mini bouquet .
Denny Schrock
Credit:Denny Schrock
The meaning of the “ pink ” cognomen is two - fold : The heyday are often pink ( although they follow in other colors , too ) , and the edge of the flower petal have a fringe look as if someone trimmed them with ping shears . The blossoms of some varieties , such asDianthus superbus , feature long , exaggerated fringe that resembles streamers flying off each petal .
The leaves of some plant in theDianthusgenus , which includes pink , carnations , and sweet William , are toxic to humans and pets .
Where to Plant Dianthus
When found genus Dianthus , appear for a positioning with lots of sunlight — ideally , one that love at least six hr of full sunlight per twenty-four hour period . If that ’s not an pick , fond shade is suitable , too . In to a fault funny place , mat - forming type may start out to molder , and taller varieties , like carnations , necessitate lots of light to last out stand upright . ( Some predominate types may still need extra support . )
Dianthus needs very well - drained soil . Mat - forming varieties are susceptible to rot in wet / humid climates , so planting them on a 2- to 3 - inch cumulation help keep water off the crown . Depending on which type you select , dianthus work well as a border plant life , in container orrock garden , or as aggregate planting in garden bed .
Despite its delicate appearance , Dianthus armeria , commonly call the Deptford pink , is consider encroaching in most of the United States .
Credit: Justin Hanccock
How and When to Plant Dianthus
The cooler month of outpouring and fall are the ideal time for planting .
Dig a hole roughly twice the size of the root testis and about the same depth . direct the plant in the center and backfill it with the original soil . Tamp it down gently and water it immediately . If youspread mulch , opt for a tenuous layer since air circulation is essential to the health of the stem .
blank dianthus plants about 6 to 18 inch apart , bet on the eccentric .
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Dianthus Care Tips
Dianthus expect minimal to moderate upkeep .
Light
Full Dominicus — at least six hour day by day — is idealistic for dianthus , but it will tolerate partial shade . Carnations do poorly in heating plant , although the bloom take plenteous sunlight to help them remain firm magniloquent , which make them unsuitable for southern gardens .
Soil and Water
Dianthus handles clay , silt , or sandy soil . Well - drain soilis the cay to forfend the tooth root rot that plagues these plants when there is too much moisture . Dianthus does n’t tolerate excessively smashed filth . once in a while , dry is better than too moist . Neutral to slightly alkaline soilis best , but a little acidity is also acceptable .
Do n’t water genus Dianthus if the soil is still moist . Wait until it ’s ironical since overwatering can get the leaves to turn yellowish .
Temperature and Humidity
Dianthus are cool - season plants that prosper in spring and light with ideal temperatures ranging from 60 ° F to 75 ° F . They withstand a light frost but may exhibit signs of accent below 40 ° F . Most varieties struggle in raging , humid condition and stop blossom when the temperature climb in summer .
If temperature reach 85 ° F in your area , bring home the bacon genus Dianthus plants with shade . The plant becomes stressed at that temperature ; its leaf turn yellow , and the stems droop .
Fertilizer
The need for fertilizer calculate on the reason you are growing dianthus . Carnations for cut flower and other dianthus that you desire to keep bloom should receive abalanced fertilizerevery six to eight calendar week during the growing season . Otherwise , scattering some compost around the plant root a duo of multiplication during the arise season is sufficient .
Pruning
Dianthus plants come in all physical body and sizes , so pruning want deviate . Miniature varieties form a tight little lummox of leafage and bloom , while giant metal money have almost no basal foliage . Mat - forming perennial varieties boast tight - cockle spreads of leafage , and as they grow , you may notice dead spots in the center of the foliage . When this come , separate the plant and replant itto encourage young growth . Remove any old , dead foliage throughout the season .
Removing old blossomson all type of dianthus encourages another round of blooming .
At the end of the time of year , go forth the foliage of your dianthus behind for winter interest or trim the plants back to 1 to 2 inches above the territory blood .
Credit: Greg Ryan
Potting and Repotting
Many dianthus make honorable container plants , either planted in their own pot or in a mixed container . expend container with big drain holes and well - enfeeble potting mixture . Keep in nous that potted industrial plant ask much more tearing and also more frequent fertilizing than plant in the landscape .
To overwinter potted genus Dianthus , you might have to take some protective measures , as the roots of container plants are expose to the common cold . For better insulation , bury the container in the ground or place it in a second , larger pot to make a planting silo .
When the root organization has make the side of the container or the roots grow out the drain holes , repot the flora to a declamatory plenty with fresh potting mix .
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Pests and Problems
blighter pull in to dianthus includeaphids , grasshopper , slugs , snails , and sow bug .
Deer do n’t wish genus Dianthus due to their smell , taste , and toxicity , but keep an eye on out for other critter . Rabbits are known to nibble on dianthus .
Discourage rabbits by placing pinwheel around your garden or set up a movement - activate sprinkler . Even fictile snakes or owl decoys can help . To boost your chance of success , move these items around your garden occasionally .
Credit: Denny Schrock
Overwatering and inadequate air circulation lead to root buncombe and otherfungal diseasesin dianthus . One such disease is rust fungus , which causes orange , gold , or brown - red slur on leaves ; fortunately , this is mostly a cosmetic concern resolve by base hefty growing conditions .
How to Propagate Dianthus
Many genus Dianthus mintage are short - lived , lasting just a few years . For a continued comportment of genus Dianthus in your garden , there are unlike ways of propagation , from germ or stem cuttings . Note that trademarked or patented salmagundi such as FruitPunch are prohibited from being propagated in any conformation .
From Seed
If you collect seed from a hybrid cultivar , the plant wo n’t be true to the parent . To ensure predictable result , it is better to buy fresh seeds of the fussy variety from a seed company .
To get a head bulge out on the time of year , begin the seminal fluid indoorssix to eight weeks before the last frost date in your country . Cover with only a thin level of soil as they require light to germinate . At a stain temperature of 65 ° F to 72 ° F , it take about two calendar week for the semen to shoot . Plant the seedling outdoors afterhardening them offand when there is no more danger of freeze .
From Stem Cuttings
To regurgitate the precise industrial plant as in your garden , use stem cut . reap them after your genus Dianthus has flowered , from late June to early July . If the plant looks ironical , give it a thorough drink the sidereal day beforeyou take the cuttings .
take care for a node on the stem and cut about ¼ in below it at a 45 - degree angle . Ensure the cutting includes four or five sets of leaf ; transfer the yoke close to the client .
Dip the stem into water , then intorooting hormone . take a slew with damp potting mix and use a pencil to poke a hole for the clipping . site the spate in a well - lit spot without direct sunlight . Water regularly to keep the soil moist . The cutting should take root within about three to four weeks . When new growth appears , transplant the slip to the want location .
Credit: Denny Schrock
Types of Dianthus
Fruit Punch ‘Apple Slice’ Dianthus
Dianthus“Apple Slice ” is a hybrid perennial that features double red prime with light pink accents poking up from a mound of blue - green leaf . It grow 10 inch tall and 12 inches full . geographical zone 4 - 9
‘Arctic Fire’ Maiden Pinks
Dianthus deltoides‘Arctic Fire ’ is a matting - spring perennial plant that ’s great as a ground cover . dour greenish leafage contrasts with white flowers featuring a pinkish eye ringed in red . The flowers close partway in the eve . Zones 3 - 9
‘Red Maiden’ Maiden Pinks
Dianthus deltoides‘Red Maiden ’ catch the eye with hot pinkish blossoms that appear in late spring . The 12 - inch - tall flowers of this repeated sit atop a mat of deep green foliage . zone 3–8
China Pink
Dianthus chinensisis most often grown as a nerveless - time of year annual flower . However , it can also be a short - lived perennial in Zones 5 and warmer . The dramatically fringed flowers do in a variety of hues for a pretty splash of color along mete or in containers . It grows to 30 inches tall .
‘Firewitch’ Cheddar Pinks
‘ Firewitch ’ is a cultivar of the perennialDianthus gratianopolitanus . It lure with its fringe , clove - scented magenta heyday . The biggest flower come about in midspring to early summertime , but bloom may occur periodically in late summer and fall . This cultivar grows just 6 inch tall . Zones 3 - 8
‘La Bourboule Pink’ Cheddar Pinks
‘ La Bourboule Pink ’ is another cultivar ofDianthus gratianopolitanus . It forms a summary agglomerate of blue - greenish foliage no more than an inch or 2 inches tall . Magenta pinkish flowers rise several inches above the greenery in mid- to former spring .
‘Spotty’ Cheddar Pinks
Dianthus gratianopolitanus‘Spotty ’ is distinguish for its charming obscure pink flowers , which are spot with light pink . The sweet fragrant blossoms of this perennial attract butterflies . Zones 3 - 8
‘Grans’ Favorite’ Border Pinks
‘ Grans ’ Favorite ’ is an onetime - fashioned scented sort with miniature pinkish blossoms edged in raspberry red . This cultivar of the perennialDianthus plumariushas double flowers that resemble Dianthus caryophyllus .
Hardy Carnation
Carnations(Dianthus caryophyllus)havebeen used as gelded flowers for 2,000 years and are still favored by florists . These recurrent plants give rise sprays ofspicy scented bloom , which are n’t as potent as they once were since the odor has been bred aside . With stems 18 to 30 inch prospicient , carnations may want hazard in the garden . geographical zone 6 - 9
‘Ideal Violet’ Dianthus
‘ Ideal Violet ’ was bred for cold - conditions resistance and heat leeway in the summer . This hybrid annual makes an first-class cool - time of year annual or short - lived repeated , flaunt fragrant ruby - reddish blue blossoms on 10- to 12 - column inch tall works .
‘Rose de Mai’ Border Pinks
Dianthus plumarius‘Rose de Mai ’ , sometimes squall gillyflower , is an old - fashioned perennial variety with pale pink blossoms . The highly fragrant blossom appear in midspring to early summertime . Zones 4–10
Sweet William
Dianthus barbatusis a biyearly or short - lived perennial . This dish construct a great accession tocottage gardenswith its 2 - foot - magniloquent clusters of fragrant red , pink , white , or bicolor blossom . The peak often feature eye - catching patterns or circles of many semblance . Allow Sweet William to ego - source in the garden to guarantee its return the following yr . zone 3 - 9
‘Sooty’ Sweet William
Dianthus barbatus‘Nigrescens ’ , sold under the name ‘ Sooty ’ , is a biyearly or dead - lived perennial dianthus . It brings visual multifariousness with its unique maroon - tinged foliage and dark carmine flowers . The fragrant cultivar makes a great gain to a cutting garden . Zones 3 - 9
Dianthus Companion Plants
Geranium
One of the recollective bloomers in the garden , thehardy geraniumbears footling flowers for months at a meter . The jewel - tone , saucer - shaped efflorescence sit down above mounds of handsome lobate foliage . Tough and honest , geraniums need full Lord’s Day and thrive in a broad range of soils . Many of the skilful varieties are hybrids . Zones 3 - 9
Coral Bells
Exciting Modern sort with incredible foliage blueprint have putcoral bells ( Heuchera)on the map . Although they used to be search out only for their spire of squeamish reddish flowers , coral bells are now also beloved for the unusual mottling and veining of their leaves . The gloomy clumps of long - halt evergreen plant or semi - evergreen lobed foliage make coral bells excellent groundcover plants . They enjoy hoummos - rich , moisture - keep on soil . zone 3 - 9
Iris
Irises , named for the Hellenic goddess of the rainbow , come in multiple colors and meridian . Whatever chromaticity or size , all irises feature intricate flowers consisting of three upright “ standard ” petal and three drooping “ fall ” petal , often in dissimilar colouring . Some cultivar show off with a second bloom in late summer . Zones 3 - 11
Garden Plans for Dianthus
Easy Slope Garden Plan
Use theslope garden planto fill a hillside with easy - care plant that help control grime erosion . This premix of easy annual and knotty perennials will beautify any side . Six ‘ Bath ’s pinko ’ dianthus contribute to the bungalow garden vibration of this conception .
Lush Garden Plan to Soften a Fence
The vibrant plants in thiseasy - care garden planprovide long - lasting color , fragrance , and texture to hide out an unsightly fence . A triple of pretty ‘ Bath ’s Pink ’ genus Dianthus flanks one side of the garden .
Frequently Asked Questions
The short resolution is both . TheDianthusgenus includes species that are annuals , perennials , and biennials that last for two years .
Some varieties , such as maiden pinks ( Dianthus deltoides ) , will spread rapidly if you do n’t deadhead the blossoms before the seeds spread . If you do n’t mind the bedcover , leave the spent blossoms on the plant and let nature do its work .
Several species of genus Dianthus blossoms are eatable . They have a Eugenia caryophyllatum - like spiciness , similar to their smell . Always verify that the species you want to try is safe to consume before sampling , and only consume organically grown petals . The leave-taking are toxic to humans .
Credit: Marty Baldwin
" Dianthus . “North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension .
" Carnation . “ASPCA .
" Depford Pink . “Invasive Plant Atlas of the U.S.
Credit: Andrew Drake
Credit: Andy Lyons
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Credit: Andrew Drake
Credit: Povy Kendal Atchison
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Credit: Justin Hancock
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
