Dianthus
[dy-ANN-thus]

Deciduous Perennial Herbaceous Perennial in the Caryophyllaceae Family
 

About Pinks

The Dianthus genus includes approximately 300 species and over 27,000 registered cultivar names. Several are cultivated as garden ornamentals, and most are suited to rock gardens. They are grown as annuals, biennials and evergreen perennials.

Flowers are 5-parted, fragrant, pink-lilac, pink-purple or white, often with picotee margins. The common name of 'pinks' does not refer to the color, but to the fringed or frilly edging which looks like it was trimmed with 'pinking shears'. Dianthus should be planted in full sun but can tolerate some shade. Well-drained soil and good air circulation are necessary to avoid root rot and fungal diseases.  Dianthus will grow in different soil types, preferring neutral to slightly alkaline soil, but can tolerate some acidity.

 

 

Plant Data

Mature Size 6 - 36 inches tall. 48 - 18 inches wide.
Sun Exposure Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Medium : The plants can tolerate short periods of drought or dryness and are sometimes considered drought tolerant
Zones 4a - 9b (Usually hardy to -30° F)
Tags Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Pollinators, Container, Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edging, Extended Bloom Time, Filler, Formal Garden, Fragrant Flowers, Full Sun, Good for Beginners, Good for Borders, Good for Butterfly Garden, Good for Cottage Garden, Good for Cut Flowers, Good for Mass Planting, Good for Rock Garden, Low Maintenance, Medium, Medium, Mounded, Normal Soil, Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Perennial, Rabbit Resistant, Reblooms, Showy Flowers, Tolerant of Clay Soil, Tolerant of Moist Soil, Tolerant of Salt, Tolerant of Sandy Soil, Well-Drained Soil, Winter Interest
Bloom Period Often May-October
Flower Color Usually White, Pink or Red
 

More Info from Experts

Commonly Planted with...

Combine with False Indigo, Coreopsis, Lavender, Roses, or other kinds of Dianthus.

Photos of This with...

Belle Grigio Lamb's Ear