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Dianthus





What are Dianthus?

What are Dianthus?

Dianthus are also known as Sweet William, Carnation, or Pinks. These small plants are hardy perennials with colorful flowers and attractive silvery foliage. Generally used as a groundcover or a border these plants are low growing with evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage. The abundant flowers are fragrant and attract butterflies. Dianthus are deer resistant and tolerate salt and pollution. They are also drought tolerant once established. For additional ground cover choices, be sure to browse our online garden center.

How to Care for Dianthus

These plants will flower best in full sun conditions. These perennials are adaptable to any well drained soil. Water this plant thoroughly about twice weekly when it is newly planted. Once your plant is established, water it when the ground is dry. A layer of mulch can be applied to reduce watering needs and protect your plant’s roots. Fertilize with our slow release fertilizer when planting and in spring. Dianthus are a low maintenance plant.

How to Care for Dianthus
How To Deadhead Dianthus

How To Deadhead Dianthus

Deadheading isn’t a necessary chore for this plant, but it does have its benefits. Deadheading can encourage your plant to rebloom. It can lengthen bloom time and increase flower quantity as well. When the bloom has faded trim off the flower down to the closest set of leaves. Pruning shears or scissors may be used to trim this flowering plant.

When Do Dianthus Bloom

Dianthus generally bloom throughout spring. They often rebloom in late summer and fall. Deadheading after the first bloom period increases the chance of a rebloom. New varieties like the heat tolerant Super Trouper series are repeat bloomers even without deadheading. They have a very long bloom period and flower on and off from spring through fall.

When Do Dianthus Bloom
When To Plant Dianthus

When To Plant Dianthus

Spring or fall are the best time to plant perennials for most of the United States. Regions with mild summers can plant at that time as well. Subtropical areas, like California and Florida are better off planting in winter than summer. The Firewitch Dianthus and Frosty Fire Dianthus are extremely cold hardy while the Super Trouper Silver Pink and the Super Trouper Orange are very heat tolerant.

How To Plant Dianthus

Water your potted perennial thoroughly before planting. Prepare the ground by digging a hole about twice as wide as the pot and not quite as deep as the root ball. Gently loosen the roots of your plant and put it in the hole. Be sure the root ball is level with or slightly higher than the existing soil line to be sure you don’t plant too deep. Fill the soil back in the hole around the root ball of your new plant. Gently pack down the soil to remove air bubbles. Water your plants thoroughly until the ground can’t hold water. Apply a small mound of mulch around your plant.

How To Plant Dianthus

Types of Dianthus

Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Firewitch
Growing Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Mature Height: 10 to 12 inches
Mature Width: 12 inches
 
Drought, heat, and humidity tolerant, the Firewitch is a superb choice for the home landscape. Its silver blue foliage and dark pink flowers add color and texture. This cheddar pink blooms all summer. Stagger throughout your yard, plant in a cluster, or use as a border. Either way, you’ll love how the Firewitch Dianthus transforms your yard.
Dianthus allwoodii 'Frosty Fire'
Growing Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Mature Height: 4 to 6 inches
Mature Width: 12 inches
 
Whether you are looking for a groundcover, border, or accent perennial the Frosty Fire is a stunning pick. This dwarf carnation is the perfect flowering perennial for a distinctive pop of color. Cool blue foliage and red hot flowers offer amazing color contrast in one little package. Double red blooms blanket the Frosty Fire Dianthus from late spring into summer.
Dianthus caryophyllus ‘Super Trouper Silver Pink’
Growing Zones 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Mature Height: 10 to 14 inches
Mature Width: 10 to 12 inches
 
The Super Trouper Silver Pink is the ideal perennial for plant beds, pots, and planting next to walkways and boulders. This fragrant dwarf hybrid carnation is a show stopper, especially when planted in clusters. The lacy pink flowers are a delight to humans and butterflies. This flowering perennial is pest and disease resistant.
Dianthus caryophyllus 'Super Trouper Orange'
Growing Zones 6, 7, 8, 9
Mature Height: 10 to 14 inches
Mature Width: 10 to 12 inches
 
Super Trouper Orange Dianthus is heat tolerant and no maintenance once established. The creamy orange color is extremely unique. You will love having this little spreading plant in your landscape. It looks great in a rock garden or along a walkway.

Browse our entire selection of Perennials. Check out our Flowering Shrubs for more color in your landscape!

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