what diantus flower looks like and how to grow

Photograph: Walters Gardens, Inc

A welcome sight in the garden come up spring, dianthus plants are depression maintenance with spicy clove-scented flowers that offer cottage-style appeal.

Here are a few more reasons to grow dianthus in your garden:

• Blooms in nearly every color, from white to nigh black.
• Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, equally well equally pollinating insects.
• Comes in a range of shapes and sizes, from depression groundcovers to upright varieties.
• Uses in the garden include border displays, rockeries, containers and cutting gardens.

On this page: Basics | Planting | Intendance | Pictures | Choose the Right Dianthus | Landscaping Tips

On this folio:

• Basics
• HOW TO Constitute DIANTHUS
• DIANTHUS CARE AND MAINTENANCE
• DIANTHUS PICTURES
• HOW TO Choose THE Right DIANTHUS
• Pattern IDEAS

DIANTHUS BASICS

Zones:

3-9, differs by variety

Native region:

Native to Europe and Asia.

Types:

If you're wondering whether dianthus are annual or perennial, the genus Dianthus has species that are both annual and perennial-and too biennial. Here are some of the common names y'all may accept heard associated with the genus.

• Pinks are perennial forms. They are evergreen or semi-evergreen. The common name "pink" is derived from the frilly edges of the petals, which look like they were cut with pinking shears.
• Sweet William is a curt-lived perennial most often grown as a biennial or annual.
• Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus.) are a favorite of florists for their long stems and extended bloom time.

Elevation/Spread:

Depending on the multifariousness, height can reach anywhere from 4 to 36 inches tall. How much is spreads too depends on the variety, ranging anywhere from 4 to 24 inches broad.

Exposure:

Bloom best with at least half dozen hours of full sun, merely can tolerate partial shade.

Blossom time:

Spring to early summertime; some rebloom intermittently or continuously through summer and fall.

Color and characteristics:

Flowers are single, semi-double or double with frilly petals. They come in nigh every color with the exception of blueish, as well as patterned bicolors. Leafage is strappy and grass-like, occurring in shades of green, blue-green or silver-green.

Toxicity:

Dianthus foliage tin cause minor skin irritation in some individuals, the effects usually lasting just a few minutes. The plants can be mildly toxic to pets if ingested.

Deer resistance:

Dianthus are seldom bothered by deer.

HOW TO Found DIANTHUS

When to plant:

Planting times depend on the type you're planting.

• Perennial types: Plant during cooler months in early on spring or autumn.
• Biennials and annuals: Constitute nursery starts outside in spring, or sow seed indoors half-dozen to 8 weeks earlier your last frost date for blossom the same year.
• Seeds sown directly in the garden in belatedly leap or summer will bloom the following year.

Where to plant:

Choose a site with rich, well-draining soil in full to function dominicus. Plants will blossom all-time in full sunday; also much shade can issue in fewer flowers and crown rot.

How to found:

Hither'due south a basic planting overview.

1. Place plants half dozen to 12 inches apart, depending on the variety.
2. Loosen soil to a depth of 12 inches and mix in 2 to iv inches of compost.
3. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and place the found in the hole and so the height of the root ball is level with the soil.
4. Gently tamp soil around the base of the plant and h2o well.

DIANTHUS CARE

Deadheading:

Deadhead (cut off spent blooms). Removing spent flowers encourages new flowers.

Trimming Back Perennials

Meet more on deadheading and shearing back dianthus at ane:10.

Dividing:

Older plants may develop dead spots in the heart of the leaf, which means it's time to split. Cut clumps into several pieces, removing the dead foliage, and transplant divisions to new spots.

Soil:

Carnations, sweetness William, and cottage pinks practise best in rich, well-draining soil that's kept moist but non soggy. Tall types, such every bit cheddar pinks, prefer a slightly alkali metal, sandy soil with sharp drainage.

Amendments & fertilizer:

Here are several guidelines for making sure your dianthus get the nutrients they need.

• For established perennials, apply a thin layer of compost in spring and sidedress with a well-balanced fertilizer according to instructions.
• Avoid organic mulch, equally it can contribute to rot or fungal problems; instead, use gravel or stone chips to suppress weeds.
• For biennials or annuals, apply a liquid fertilizer monthly during bloom time.

Watering:

Water one time a week in summer, or more oft in hot weather if needed. Avoid overwatering, which can cause rot. Overhead watering may cause leaf mildew.

Staking:

Carnation types with long stems may demand staking to proceed them from falling over.

Diseases and pests:

In addition to being easy to care for, dianthus are free of most pests and diseases when healthy and planted in the ideal site. Simply like any constitute, though, there are potential bug that tin occur.

• Overwatering or heavy mulch can cause crown rot.
• Poor drainage tin result in stem rot or root rot.
• Insect problems can include slugs, snails, sow bugs, spider mites, or grasshoppers.

DIANTHUS VARIETIES

Swipe to view slides

Photo by: Proven Winners.

'Paint the Town Magenta' — Buy at present from Proven Winners
D. hybrid

Zones: 4-ix
Habit: Dwarf stature with mounding addiction
Peak/Spread: half dozen to eight inches tall, 12 to 14 inches wide
Exposure: Full to partial sun
Blossom Time: Early summer, with rebloom in autumn

The diminutive size makes this heat-tolerant variety platonic for pocket-sized spaces.

2022 National Perennial of the Year

Photo by: Proven Winners.

Fruit Dial® 'Archetype Coral' — Buy now from Proven Winners
D. hybrid

Zones: 4-ix
Habit: Mounding meaty habit
Meridian/Spread: 8 to ten inches tall, 12 to xiv inches wide
Exposure: Full to fractional sun
Bloom Time: Early on summertime, with rebloom in fall

Fragrant double flowers contrast nicely against a background of blue-dark-green foliage, which provides continuous color after flowers are finished blooming. Tolerant of heat and humidity.

See the unabridged Fruit Punch® series.

Photograph by: Proven Winners.

Fruit Punch® 'Cherry Vanilla' — Buy now from Proven Winners
D. hybrid

Zones: four-9
Habit: Mounding compact addiction
Height/Spread: 6 to viii inches alpine, 8 to 12 inches broad
Exposure: Total to partial sun
Flower Time: Early summer, with rebloom in autumn

Semi-double frilly flowers add sweetness fragrance and bright color to containers and stone gardens, or along pathways and borders.

Photo by: Proven Winners.

'Paint the Boondocks Fuchsia' — Buy now from Proven Winners
D. hybrid

Zones: 4-9
Habit: Mounding meaty habit
Height/Spread: 6 to 8 inches tall, 12 to fourteen inches broad
Exposure: Total to partial sun
Bloom Time: Leap to Summer

Prized for increased oestrus tolerance and bright colors, this option is perfect for sunny pathways and borders. Considered an improved variety over 'Firewitch' with better flower coverage and improved vigor.

Photo: Walters Gardens, Inc

'Firewitch' (syn. 'Feuerhexe'), Cheddar Pinkish
D. gratianopolitanus

Zones: 3-ix
Habit: Meaty stature with mat-forming addiction
Height/Spread: 6 to 9 inches tall, 12 to 15 inches broad
Exposure: Full dominicus
Blossom Fourth dimension: Mid-late spring, with intermittent rebloom through summer

Known for its uncommonly long flower fourth dimension, drought tolerance, and groovy mat-forming addiction.

Photo: Steffen Hauser / botanikfoto / Alamy Stock Photo

'Bath's Pink', Cheddar Pink
D. gratianopolitanus

Zones: 3-9
Addiction: Mat-forming habit
Height/Spread: 9 to 12 inches tall, 6 to 12 inches wide
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Fourth dimension: Late spring, with intermittent rebloom in summertime

Tolerant of heat, humidity and drought, this tough variety is practiced for edging and as a stone garden specimen. The securely fringed, star-shaped flowers are pleasantly fragrant.

Photo: Eric Hunt / Millette Photomedia

'Itsaul White', Cottage Pink
D. plumarius

Zones: three-9
Habit: Upright habit
Meridian/Spread: 12 inches alpine, 12 to 18 inches wide
Exposure: Late spring to early summertime, with rebloom in summer
Bloom Time: Tardily jump to mid-summertime

Pure-white flowers complement the silvery evergreen foliage. Sweetness vanilla-scented blooms on arching 12-inch stems brand practiced cutting flowers.

Photo: Eag1eEyes / Shutterstock

Sugariness William
D. barbatus

Zones: 3-9
Habit: Upright stature
Height/Spread: 12 to 24 inches tall, 12 inches broad
Exposure: Total to fractional sun
Bloom Time: Tardily spring through frost
Colors: Crimson, pinkish, purple, white or bicolored flowers; green foliage

This curt-lived perennial is most often grown equally an annual or biennial. Proceed plants deadheaded for continuous bloom.

Photo: Sylvain Marineau / Millette Photomedia

Prc Pinkish (syn. Rainbow Pink)
D. chinensis

Zones: 6-9
Habit: Upright or bushy habit
Peak/Spread: six to 30 inches alpine, half dozen to 10 inches broad
Exposure: Full to partial lord's day
Blossom Time: Late spring to early summer, with rebloom in summer
Colors: Red, pink, white or bicolored flowers; green leafage

Similar to sweetness William, Communist china pink is a brusque-lived perennial most often grown as a cool-flavor annual.

Photo: Paul S Drobot / Millette Photomedia

'Green Ball'
D. barbatus

Zones: 8-ix
Habit: Mounding habit
Summit/Spread: x to 14 inches tall, 8 to 12 inches wide
Exposure: Full dominicus to fractional shade
Blossom Time: Tardily spring to summer

This novelty variety has fuzzy 3-inch ball-shaped flowers on strong, upright stems. Treat as an annual in nigh climates and half-hardy perennial in warmer regions.

HOW TO Choose THE Correct DIANTHUS

With so many choices, here are some factors to consider.

For bedding displays and borders:

Edge the front of a border with low-growing perennial varieties. Sprinkle almanac or biennial seeds to fill in gaps between established perennials.

For containers, stone gardens, and small-scale yards:

Dwarf and mat-forming types will stay smaller and not overwhelm a space. Combine in containers, rockeries, or beds with other small annuals or perennials that thrive in the same growing conditions.

For cut gardens and large-calibration landscapes:

Choose Sweet William or carnation varieties that will grow tall and plant them in rows or masses for the greatest visual impact. The stately stems and long bloom time make these suitable for floral arrangements.

For areas of the garden that you desire to go along low maintenance:

Exist sure to choose a perennial then they come back every year. Skilful choices include D. gratianopolitanus, D. plumarius, D. barbatus, and D. chinensis.

DIANTHUS LANDSCAPING TIPS

With so many choices, here are some tips to consider.

For bedding displays and borders:

Edge the front of a border with low-growing perennial varieties. Sprinkle annual or biennial seeds to make full in gaps between established perennials.

For containers, rock gardens, and minor yards:

Dwarf and mat-forming types volition stay smaller and not overwhelm a space. Combine in containers, rockeries, or beds with other modest annuals or perennials that thrive in the same growing weather condition.

For cutting gardens and large-scale landscapes:

Cull Sweet William or carnation varieties that volition grow tall and plant them in rows or masses for the greatest visual impact. The stately stems and long blossom time make these suitable for floral arrangements.

In that location are many ways to incorporate this dear heirloom into any mural. Hither's how:

• Mass in a bed forth a patio or deck, where the spicy fragrance tin exist enjoyed up close.
• Establish alpine types in a rock garden with other plants such equally columbine, sedums, thyme, creeping phlox, and lamb's ear.
• Clothes upwards an entryway or balcony with a decorative container and plant with dianthus in varying colors, or with annuals such as sweet alyssum, lobelia, and dusty miller for months of continuous color.
• Place window boxes on a side of your business firm that receives full lord's day and plant dianthus in cheerful colors for a cornball, cottage-style issue.
• Line a pathway with shorter varieties that bloom at unlike times for a season-long display of colour.
• Convert a raised bed into a cutting garden and plant carnation types with long stems. Add other cutting flowers such as dahlias, sweet peas, zinnias, and sunflowers for freshly cut bouquets through summer and autumn.
• Combine in a mixed border with other cottage-style plants such as cranesbill geranium, coral bells, iris, roses, columbine, artemisia, and lavender.

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Source: https://www.gardendesign.com/perennials/dianthus.html

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