Dianthus, also known as carnations or "pinks", are flowering perennials grown for the extremely fragrant flowers. The attractive blooms are great for wildlife or cut flower arrangements.
Dianthus is a genus of 300 species of flowering perennials in the family Caryophyllaceae. The flowers have five frilled petals and sometimes have a strong spicy fragrance with cinnamon or clove notes. The flower colors can be magenta, purple, red, coral, pink & fuchsia. Some varieties can bloom several times a year as well. These plants are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Also known as carnation, “pinks”, & sweet william.
These plants are hardy in growing zones 4 to 9 and should be planted in a location that receives partial sun to full sunlight. Dianthus are small plants that only grow up to 10 inches tall. Most often these are grown in borders, in flower gardens or in a garden planter.
Deutzia is a deciduous shrub that produces dainty, bell-shaped flowers in clusters of white or pink during spring or summer and attracts pollinators. Its dense, pointed foliage with toothed edges remains throughout the growing season, providing consistent color and texture to the landscape. Once established, Deutzia is easy to grow and requires minimal care.
Depending on the variety, it can function as ground cover or form hedges. Its adaptability makes it suitable for various landscape uses, including container planting. The shrub's versatility allows it to complement a range of garden styles and settings.
Deutzia Care
Plant Deutzia during spring or fall in locations receiving full to partial sunlight, as ample light promotes abundant flowering. Opt for moist, well-drained soil to support healthy growth. Maintain consistent soil moisture, watering when the top few inches become dry and avoiding oversaturated conditions. An annual application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring encourages robust development.
Prune Deutzia immediately after flowering, as it blooms on old wood; trimming at this time preserves the next season's buds. For winter care, remove any dead or damaged branches and apply a layer of organic mulch around the base in fall to protect the roots. Potted plants need containers that drain and a rich, well-draining soil mix. Monitor soil moisture closely, as potted plants can dry out more quickly than those in the ground.
Because dianthus are pretty small plants, the best companion plants are often taller and upright. Choose plants to grow with dianthus that like at least 6 hours of sunlight. We recommend growing annuals, perennials and shrubs with dianthus that work well for cut flower arrangements like roses, red hot poker, verbena, salvia, snapdragons and lilacs.
