From the Greek word meaning "divine flower," various plants of the Dianthus species are commonly known as pinks, Sweet William and carnations. Grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, there are over 300 perennials, biennials or annual types of dianthus. It forms an evergreen mat of green, blue-green or gray-green foliage. Depending upon the type, the flower stems grow from 5 to 30 inches tall and produce ruffled single, semi-double or double flowers in shades of white, pink, burgundy and some bi-colors. Some blossoms are fragrant. Dianthus is suitable for mass plantings, in rock gardens, as a front border, along stone walls or in containers.
Clear weeds and grass from a site that receives full sun. Dianthus needs moist, well-draining, slightly alkaline soil. Test the soil and, if needed, add garden lime along with well-rotted compost or manure two months before planting.
Plant dianthus in April and May or September and October. Dig a hole that is twice as large as the nursery container. Slide the plant from the container and use your fingers to loosen the roots. Place the plant in the hole, with the top of the root-ball at the soil line. Fill the hole with the soil. Space 6 inches apart.
Water gently to settle the soil. Water daily until the plant shows signs of new growth. After that, depending upon the rain, water so that the plant gets about an inch of water each week.
Apply a liquid plant food after the plant shows signs of new growth. Repeat every three to four weeks during the growing season.
Deadhead faded blossoms to encourage repeat blooming. Use garden shears to shape the dianthus.
Watch for signs of rust, aphids or slugs. Remove diseased plants or plant parts and throw them away; do not compost them. Use insecticidal soap for aphids. Hand pick slugs or sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the roots of the dianthus.
Divide healthy dianthus in the fall. Pull up weak plants and add to the compost.
Things You Will Need
- Soil test kit
- Garden lime
- Well-rotted manure or compost
- Liquid plant food
- Garden shears
- Gardening gloves
- Insecticidal soap
- Diatomaceous earth
- Dianthus attracts butterflies.
- Do not add more lime than the soil test results recommend; it can harm the plant.
- Over-watering can cause rotting.
- Over-feeding can cause yellow leaves or brown leaf tips.
- Do not mulch dianthus. It can reduce circulation to the plant’s stems and increase chance of diseases.
- The New Sunset Western Garden Book; Kathleen Norris Brenzel pg 285
- The Flower Gardener’s Bible; Lewis and Nancy Hill pg 252
- The Complete Garden Flower Book; Catie Ziller pg. 45, 154, 155, 622
- Burpee Complete Gardener; Barbara W. Ellis pg 60-61, 122-23
- National Gardening Association: Dianthus
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images