Dianthus is the quintessential cottage garden flower. Also called "pinks," these plants are treasured for their grasslike, blue-green foliage and abundant starry flowers that are often spicily fragrant. Dianthus varieties range from tiny creeping groundcovers to tall carnations, which are grown widely as cut flowers. Some have large blotches of deep red, while others feature rings of color on the edges of their petals. Many flaunt double blossoms, and some have flowers clustered at the stalk's tip, giving them the look of a mini bouquet.
DENNY SCHROCK
The meaning of the “pink” moniker is two-fold: The flowers are often pink (though they come in other colors, too), and the edges of the petals have a fringed look, as if someone trimmed them with pinking shears. The blossoms of some varieties, like Dianthus superbus, feature a very long, exaggerated fringe, like streamers flying off each petal.
Plants in the Dianthus genus, which includes pinks, carnations, and sweet William, are toxic to pets.
Dianthus Overview
Where to Plant Dianthus
When planting dianthus, look for a location with full sun—ideally, one that enjoys at least six hours of sunlight per day. If that's not an option, partial shade is suitable, too. Note that in overly shady spots, mat-forming types may begin to rot, and taller varieties, like carnations, need lots of light to stay standing upright. (Some towering types may still need additional support.)
Dianthus needs very well-drained soil. Mat-forming varieties are very susceptible to rot in wet/humid climates, so planting them on a 2- to 3-inch mound helps keep water off the crown. Depending on which type you choose, dianthus works well as a border plant, in containers or rock gardens, or as mass plantings in garden beds.
Despite its delicate appearance, Dianthus armeria, commonly called the Deptford pink, is considered invasive in most of the United States.
How and When to Plant Dianthus
The cooler months of spring and fall are the ideal time for planting.
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 original soil, Tamp it down gently and water immediately. If you spread mulch, opt for a thin layer, since air circulation is essential to the health of the stem.
Space dianthus about 6 to 18 inches apart, depending on the type.
Dianthus Care Tips
Dianthus requires minimal to moderate care.
Light
Full sun—at least six hours per day—is ideal for dianthus, but it will also tolerate partial shade. Carnations do poorly in heat though the flowers still need ample sunlight to help them stand tall, which makes them unsuitable for southern gardens.
Soil and Water
Dianthus handles clay, silt, or sandy soil. Well-drained soil is the key to avoiding the root rot that may plague these plants if there is too much moisture. Dianthus won't tolerate overly wet soil. Occasionally dry is better than too moist. Neutral to slightly alkaline soil is best, but a little acidity is also acceptable.
Don't water your dianthus if the soil is still moist. Wait until it's dry since overwatering can cause the leaves to turn yellow.
Temperature and Humidity
Dianthus are cool-season plants that thrive in spring and fall. They withstand a light frost but may exhibit signs of stress below 40°F. Most varieties struggle in hot, humid conditions and stop blooming once the temperature rises in summer.
Fertilizer
The need for fertilizer depends on what you are growing dianthus for. Carnations for cut flowers and other dianthus that you want to keep blooming should receive a balanced fertilizer every six to eight weeks during the growing season. Otherwise, scattering some compost around the plant base a couple of times during the growing season is sufficient.
Pruning
Dianthus plants come in all shapes and sizes, so pruning needs will vary. Miniature varieties form a tight little lump of foliage and blooms, while giant species have almost no basal foliage. Mat-forming perennial varieties feature very tight-knit spreads of foliage, and as they grow, you may notice dead spots in the center of the foliage. When this occurs, divide the plant and re-plant it to encourage new growth. Remove any old, dead foliage throughout the season.
Removing old blossoms on all types of dianthus encourages another round of blooming.
If you are growing sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) which is a biennial dianthus that blooms in its second year and then dies, you might want to leave some of the spent flowers on the plant, as they will reseed in your garden and produce plants next year.
At the end of the season, leave the foliage of your dianthus behind for winter interest or trim the plants back to 1 to 2 inches above the soil line.
Potting and Repotting
Many dianthus make good container plants,, either planted in their own pot or in a mixed container. Use containers with large drainage holes and well-draining potting mix. Keep in mind that potted plants need much more watering and also more frequent fertilizer than plants in the landscape.
To overwinter potted dianthus, you might have to take some protective measures, as the roots of container plants are exposed to the cold. For better insulation, bury the container in the ground or place it in a second, larger pot to create a planting silo.
When the root system has reached the sides of the container, or the roots grow out of the drainage holes, repot the plant to a larger pot with fresh potting mix.
Pests and Problems
Pests attracted to dianthus include aphids, grasshoppers, slugs, snails, and sow bugs.
Deer don't like dianthus, due to their smell, taste, and toxicity. But watch out for other critters: Rabbits are known to nibble on dianthus.
Overwatering and inadequate air circulation lead to root rot and other fungal diseases in dianthus. One such disease is rust, which causes orange, gold, or brown-red spots on leaves; fortunately, this is mostly a cosmetic concern that is resolved by establishing healthy growing conditions.
How to Propagate Dianthus
Many dianthus species are short-lived, lasting just a few years. For a continued presence of dianthus in your garden, there are different ways of propagation. Plant seeds outdoors in early spring when there's still a chance of frost. Cover with only a thin layer of soil as they need light to germinate. This is the easiest way to propagate dianthus though if the seeds are from a hybrid cultivar, the new plants will not be the same as the original.
To reproduce the exact plants 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 before you take the cuttings. Look for a node on the stem, then cut about ¼ 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 into rooting hormone, and insert it into a container of moist potting soil, using a pencil to pre-poke a hole for the cutting. Place it in a well-lit spot without direct sunlight. Make sure the medium remains moist. The cutting should take root within about 3 to 4 weeks. When new growth appears, transplant the cuttings to your desired location.
Types of Dianthus
Fruit Punch 'Apple Slice' Dianthus
This hybrid perennial dianthus features double red blossoms with light pink accents, poking up from a mound of blue-green foliage. It grows 10 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Zone 4-9
'Arctic Fire' Maiden Pinks
Dianthus deltoides 'Arctic Fire' is a mat-forming perennial plant that's great as a groundcover. Dark green foliage contrasts with white flowers featuring a pink eye ringed in red. The flowers close partway in the evening. Zone 3-9
'Red Maiden' Maiden Pinks
Dianthus deltoides 'Red Maiden' catches the eye with hot pink blossoms that appear in late spring. The 12-inch-tall flowers of this perennial sit atop a mat of deep green foliage. Zone 3-8
China Pink
Dianthus chinensis is most often grown as a cool-season annual flower. However, it can also be a short-lived perennial in Zones 5 and warmer. The dramatically fringed flowers come in a variety of colors for a pretty pop along borders or in containers.
'Firewitch' Cheddar Pinks
Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Firewitch' entices with its fringed, clove-scented magenta blossoms. The biggest bloom occurs in mid-spring to early summer, but blooming may happen sporadically in late summer and fall. This cultivar is hardy in Zones 3-8 and grows just 6 inches tall. Zone 3-8
'La Bourboule Pink' Cheddar Pinks
This cultivar of the perennial Dianthus gratianopolitanus forms a compact mound of blue-green foliage no more than an inch or two tall. Magenta pink flowers rise several inches above the greenery in mid to late spring.
'Spotty' Cheddar Pinks
Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Spotty' is named for its charming dark pink flowers, spotted with light pink. The sweetly fragrant blossoms of this perennial attract butterflies. Zone 3-8
'Grans' Favorite' Border Pinks
'Grans' Favorite' is an old-fashioned scented variety with miniature pink blossoms edged in raspberry red. This cultivar of Dianthus plumarius has double flowers that resemble carnations.
Hardy Carnation
Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) have been used as cut flowers for 2,000 years and are still favored by florists. These plants produce sprays of spicily scented blooms, which aren't as potent as they once were since the scent has been bred away. With stems 18 to 30 inches long, carnations may need staking in the garden. Zone 6-9
'Ideal Violet' Hybrid Dianthus
'Ideal Violet' was bred for cold-weather resistance and heat tolerance in the summer. This hybrid annual makes an excellent cool-season annual or short-lived perennial, flaunting fragrant red-violet blossoms on 10- to 12-inch tall plants.
'Rose de Mai' Border Pinks
Dianthus plumarius 'Rose de Mai,' also sometimes called gillyflower, is an old-fashioned perennial variety with pale pink blossoms. The highly fragrant flowers appear in mid-spring to early summer. Zone 4-10
Sweet William
Dianthus barbatus is a biennial or short-lived perennial. This beauty makes a great addition to cottage gardens with its 2-foot-tall clusters of fragrant red, pink, white, or bicolor blossoms. The flowers often feature eye-catching patterns or circles of many colors. Allow your Sweet William to self-seed in the garden to ensure its return the following year.
'Sooty' Sweet William
Dianthus barbatus 'Nigrescens', sold under the name 'Sooty', is a biennial or short-lived perennial dianthus. 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. Zone 3-9
Dianthus Companion Plants
Geranium
One of the longest bloomers in the garden, the hardy geranium bears little flowers for months at a time. The jewel-tone, saucer-shape blossoms sit above mounds of handsome lobed foliage. Tough and reliable, geraniums need full sun and thrives in a wide range of soils. Many of the best varieties are hybrids. Zone 3-9
Coral Bells
Exciting new varieties with incredible foliage patterns have put coral bells (Heuchera) on the map. Though they used to be sought out only for their spires of dainty reddish flowers, coralbells are now also beloved for the unusual mottling and veining of their leaves. The low clumps of long-stemmed evergreen or semi-evergreen lobed foliage make coralbells excellent groundcover plants. They enjoy humus-rich, moisture-retaining soil. Zone 3-9
Iris
Irises, named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow, come in multiple colors and many heights. Whatever hue or size, all irises feature intricate flowers consisting of three upright "standard" petals and three drooping "fall" petals, often in different colors. Some cultivars show off with a second bloom in late summer. Zone 3-11
Garden Plans for Dianthus
Easy Slope Garden Plan
Use the slope garden plan to fill a hillside with easy-care plants that help control soil erosion. This mix of easy annuals and tough perennials will beautify any slope. Six 'Bath's Pink' dianthus contribute to the cottage garden vibes of this design.
Lush Garden Plan to Soften a Fence
The vibrant plants in this easy-care garden plan provide long-lasting color, fragrance, and texture to hide an unsightly fence. A trio of pretty 'Bath's Pink' dianthus flank one side of the garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is dianthus an annual or perennial?The short answer: both. The dianthus genus includes species that are annuals, perennials, and biennials, meaning they last for two years.
The short answer: both. The dianthus genus includes species that are annuals, perennials, and biennials, meaning they last for two years.
- Does dianthus spread?Some varieties, such as Maiden Pinks, will spread rapidly if you don't deadhead the blossoms before the seeds scatter. If you don't mind the spread, simply leave the spent blossoms on the plant and let nature do its work.
Some varieties, such as Maiden Pinks, will spread rapidly if you don't deadhead the blossoms before the seeds scatter. If you don't mind the spread, simply leave the spent blossoms on the plant and let nature do its work.
- Are dianthus flowers edible?Several species of dianthus blossoms are edible. They have a clove-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 leaves are toxic to humans.
Several species of dianthus blossoms are edible. They have a clove-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 leaves are toxic to humans.