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.
Dianthus, commonly known as "pinks," are cherished for their sweet and spicy fragrance, reminiscent of sugar and cloves. These flowers are not only visually appealing but also edible, and can be used to decorate cakes, flavor drinks, or add color to salads. Their long-lasting blooms, which can persist up to 21 days when cut, make them a favorite among florists and home gardeners alike.
Position shorter dianthus along paths or bed edges, where their clove-like fragrance can be appreciated. Insert taller varieties into mixed borders and cutting gardens for extended seasonal color. Mat-forming types work well in rockeries or crevices to soften stonework with delicate blooms. Combine them in containers or cottage-style plantings, pairing the silvery foliage with contrasting textures such as herbs and ornamental grasses.
Dianthus Care
Dianthus needs at least six hours of sunlight daily. Use well-drained soil and pull mulch away from the base to reduce fungal issues. Watering once per week is typically sufficient; however, during peak summer or for container-grown plants, more frequent watering may be necessary. Fertilizing in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer supports robust growth and flowering.
Regular deadheading of spent blooms encourages continuous flowering throughout the growing season. In preparation for winter, cutting back the plants to ground level and covering them with a thick layer of organic mulch provides insulation against cold temperatures. When cultivating dianthus in containers, ensure the pots have adequate drainage holes and use a rich, slightly alkaline potting mix. Position the containers in partial shade, ensuring they receive three to six hours of sunlight daily.
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.
