Dianthus Care Guide: How to Grow Dianthus in Your Garden

Dianthus flowers are native to Europe and Asia. They are also known as “pinks” due to their frilled petals that look like they have been cut with pinking shears. Dianthus are usually perennial, though some types are annual or biennial, and they attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and pollinating insects.

Dianthus flowers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with some standing three feet in height and others spreading low across the ground. Six popular varieties include:

1. 1. Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus): These are one of the most common types of dianthus plants. Blooming in mid-summer, they are known for their multi-petaled flowers and curled leaves. Typically standing one to two feet in height, carnations grow best with full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
2. 2. Alpine pinks (D. alpinus): Alpine pinks spread low along the ground, growing only two to six inches in height. The flowers are small and fringed, and they have a strong scent.
3. 3. Cottage pinks (D. plumarius): Known for their feathered petals, cottage pink flowers generally bloom in June. The flowers are usually a pale lilac-pink and grow 12 to 15 inches tall.
4. 4. Sweet Williams (D. barbatus): Often grown as an annual or biennial, sweet Williams are a popular perennial dianthus. Notable for their red, pink, purple, or white coloring, sweet Williams will continually bloom if its flowers are deadheaded.
5. 5. China pinks (D. chinensis): Especially colorful and lightly scented, the China pink is a perennial that blooms in early summer and continues through the season. Its red, pink, or white flowers bloom on stalks that generally stand six to 10 inches tall.
6. 6. Cheddar pinks (D. gratianopolitanus): Also known as Firewitch, cheddar pink is a compact dianthus that blooms in mid-to-late spring and reblooms throughout the summer. It is known for its bright pink or magenta flowers and exceptionally long bloom time. This variety does best in rock gardens with full sun.

Dianthus plants are often used as border displays in gardens. By following a few simple steps, your dianthus flowers will thrive in your garden beds:

1. 1. Plant at the optimal time. If you choose a perennial dianthus for your garden, it is best to plant it in the early spring when the weather is cool. Plant annuals or biennials after the final frost of the year.
2. 2. Give your plant space. Plant dianthus in a hole that is twice as large as its root ball.
3. 3. Plant dianthus in well-draining soil. Make sure your dianthus’s soil drains well. Mulch will help ensure that the soil remains consistently moist—though not soggy. Some alpine types of dianthus do best in slightly alkaline soil.
4. 4. Make sure your plant has full sun. Dianthus flowers bloom best in full sun. The plant will grow in part shade, but it might experience crown rot or fewer blooms if it does not receive enough sunlight.
5. 5. Water your dianthus plant thoroughly immediately after planting. Dianthus should be watered once a week. If the weather is consistently hot, increase to twice a week. Keep in mind that overwatering may lead to rot or mildew.

These hardy plants have a high heat tolerance and are generally low maintenance. A few key tips will help you keep your plants healthy:

1. 1. Deadhead your dianthus plants. In order to encourage new growth, it is essential that you deadhead your plants. Cut old blooms and flowers with spots to allow new flowers to appear.
2. 2. Protect dianthus from pests and disease. While dianthus are not generally prone to disease, overwatering can lead to crown rot. Additionally, poor drainage will lead to pests such as slugs, sowbugs, or grasshoppers, so it is essential to plant your dianthus in well-draining soil.
3. 3. Strengthen stalks with stakes. Some types of dianthus, such as hardy carnations (D. caryophyllus), have longer stems and are prone to drooping. If this is an issue in your garden, staking the stalks will help keep them from falling over.

While carnations are often used in wine or as garnishes in salads, they can be toxic to pets. Cats and dogs may experience gastrointestinal problems if they ingest dianthus, and touching the plants can lead to dermatitis. Consider protecting your garden with a fence to ensure your pets remain safe.

Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the MasterClass Annual Membership and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.