Dianthus (Pinks)

Dianthus, commonly referred to as “pinks”, “sweet William” or “carnations”, are perennials noted for their old-fashioned charm. The mat-forming evergreen foliage and long-blooming fragrant flowers provide splashes of color along walkways, at the edges of beds and borders, or adorning rock gardens.

The Greek botanist Theophrastus christened them “dianthus” from the Greek “dios” (divine) and “anthos” (flower). They have been grown for centuries and many species (over 300) and hybrids are in existence today. Flower colors generally come in reds, pinks and white and sometimes orange and yellow. Gertrude Jekyll states that they were the most popular flower in England in the seventeenth century.

Grow them in a sunny spot with well-drained soil (wet soils in winter will kill them). Raised beds or rock gardens provide an ideal environment but they are also perfectly fine in the ground as long as good drainage is provided. To help your soil drain better, add a generous scoop of grit to the soil when planting. They will spread quickly. Dividing them every two or three years will keep them in good shape. Deadheading spent flowers will keep them blooming for weeks, sometimes months. After blooming, shear back the plants by one-third to one-half. Many varieties, such as the popular Dianthus barbatus (“Sweet William”) self-sows easily.

Yard N’ Garden Land currently has a huge selection of varieties. You will find them on the display table right outside the back of the greenhouse.

Photos by Phillip Oliver