Spotlight On: Dianthus

This is the beginning of a series of different plants that are a great addition to any garden. Some you may know and others may be completely new to you.

Dianthus

Common Names:  Pinks, Sweet William, Carnation

Scientific Name: Dianthus species

Zones: 3-10

Plant Type: Perennial

Sun: Full to partial sun

Water: Drought tolerant

Bloom Time: Spring and Fall

Bloom Color: Pink, Red, White, Rose, Lavender, Salmon (Almost all except blue)

Height:  4-30 inches tall

Wildlife:  Hummingbirds, butterflies

Dianthus come in a lot of varieties, with different bloom colors and sizes. These are a garden staple as they are easy to grow, maintain and are drought tolerant.  The flowers are great for cutting, drying, are fragrant, deer resistant and they attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Many gardeners call them “Pinks” for the look of the flower.  The petals have serrated edges, looking as if someone cut them with pinking shears.  Flowers can range in size from an inch to several inches in width, with single or double blooms, and plants growing in height from a few inches to a few feet tall. The foliage itself can vary from traditional green to a blue-green in color.

When planting dianthus, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.  Dianthus will bloom profusely in the spring and once these blooms are done, cut the plants back to help promote more blooming later in summer and fall. 

With little maintenance required, drought tolerance and both beautiful foliage and flowers, Dianthus are a great addition to your gardens and containers.