Also called pinks, these colorful flowering perennials range from tiny to towering, some with a clove-like scent.
Dianthus is the quintessentialcottage garden flower.
Dianthus varieties range from tiny creeping groundcovers to tall carnations, which are widely grown as cut flowers.
Credit:Denny Schrock
If thats not an option, partial shade is suitable, too.
(Some towering types may still need additional support.)
Dianthus needs very well-drained soil.
Credit: Justin Hanccock
Dig a hole roughly twice the size of the root ball and about the same depth.
Place the plant in the center and backfill it with the original soil.
Tamp it down gently and water it immediately.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Space dianthus plants about 6 to 18 inches apart, depending on the punch in.
Dianthus Care Tips
Dianthus requires minimal to moderate care.
Light
Full sunat least six hours dailyis ideal for dianthus, but it will tolerate partial shade.
Credit: Greg Ryan
Dianthus doesnt tolerate overly wet soil.
Dont water dianthus if the soil is still moist.
Wait until its dry since overwatering can cause the leaves to turn yellow.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
They withstand a light frost but may exhibit signs of stress below 40F.
Most varieties struggle in hot, humid conditions and stop blooming when the temperature rises in summer.
If temperatures reach 85F in your area, provide dianthus plants with shade.
Credit: Denny Schrock
The plant becomes stressed at that temperature; its leaves turn yellow, and the stems droop.
Fertilizer
The need for fertilizer depends on the reason you are growing dianthus.
Otherwise, scattering some compost around the plant base a couple of times during the growing season is sufficient.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Pruning
Dianthus plants come in all shapes and sizes, so pruning needs vary.
When this occurs,divide the plant and replant itto encourage new growth.
Remove any old, dead foliage throughout the season.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Removing old blossomson all types of dianthus encourages another round of blooming.
Use containers with large drainage holes and well-draining potting mix.
Rabbits are known to nibble on dianthus.
Credit: Andrew Drake
Discourage rabbits by placing pinwheels around your garden or installing a motion-activated sprinkler.
Even plastic snakes or owl decoys can help.
To boost your chances of success, move these items around your garden occasionally.
Credit: Andy Lyons
Overwatering and inadequate air circulation lead to root rot and otherfungal diseasesin dianthus.
How to Propagate Dianthus
Many dianthus species are short-lived, lasting just a few years.
Note that trademarked or patented varieties such as FruitPunch are prohibited from being propagated in any form.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Cover with only a thin layer of soil as they need light to germinate.
At a soil temperature of 65F to 72F, it takes about two weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Plant the seedlings outdoors afterhardening them offand when there is no more danger of frost.
Credit: Andrew Drake
From Stem Cuttings
To reproduce the exact plants as in your garden, use stem cuttings.
Harvest them after your dianthus has flowered, from late June to early July.
If the plant looks dry, give it a thorough drink the day beforeyou take the cuttings.
Credit: Povy Kendal Atchison
Look for a node on the stem and cut about 14 inch below it at a 45-degree angle.
Ensure the cutting includes four or five sets of leaves; remove the pair closest to the node.
Dip the stem into water, then intorooting hormone.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Fill a pot with damp potting mix and use a pencil to poke a hole for the cutting.
Place the pot in a well-lit spot without direct sunlight.
Water regularly to keep the soil moist.
Credit: Justin Hancock
The cutting should take root within about three to four weeks.
When new growth appears, transplant the cuttings to the desired location.
It grows 10 inches tall and 12 inches wide.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Dark green foliage contrasts with white flowers featuring a pink eye ringed in red.
The flowers close partway in the evening.
The 12-inch-tall flowers of this perennial sit atop a mat of deep green foliage.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
Zones 38
China Pink
Dianthus chinensisis most often grown as a cool-season annual flower.
However, it can also be a short-lived perennial in Zones 5 and warmer.
It grows to 30 inches tall.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
This cultivar grows just 6 inches tall.
Magenta pink flowers rise several inches above the greenery in mid- to late spring.
The sweetly fragrant blossoms of this perennial attract butterflies.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
This cultivar of the perennialDianthus plumariushas double flowers that resemble carnations.
With stems 18 to 30 inches long, carnations may need staking in the garden.
The highly fragrant flowers appear in midspring to early summer.
Zones 410
Sweet William
Dianthus barbatusis a biennial or short-lived perennial.
The flowers often feature eye-catching patterns or circles of many colors.
Allow Sweet William to self-seed in the garden to ensure its return the following year.
It brings visual variety with its unique maroon-tinged foliage and dark red flowers.
The fragrant cultivar makes a great addition to a cutting garden.
The jewel-tone, saucer-shaped blossoms sit above mounds of handsome lobed foliage.
Tough and reliable, geraniums need full sun and thrive in a wide range of soils.
Many of the best varieties are hybrids.
The low clumps of long-stemmed evergreen or semi-evergreen lobed foliage make coral bells excellent groundcover plants.
They enjoy humus-rich, moisture-retaining soil.
Some cultivars show off with a second bloom in late summer.
This mix of easy annuals and tough perennials will beautify any slope.
Six Baths Pink dianthus contribute to the cottage garden vibes of this design.
A trio of pretty Baths Pink dianthus flanks one side of the garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
The short answer is both.
TheDianthusgenus includes species that are annuals, perennials, and biennials that last for two years.
Several species of dianthus blossoms are edible.
They have a clove-like spiciness, similar to their smell.
The leaves are toxic to humans.
“North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
“Carnation.“ASPCA.
“Invasive Plant Atlas of the U.S.
