Dianthus
Dianthus
Dianthus blooms from May through August.
Mature size, hardiness zones, sun and the trait tags were checked against named botanical sources for this plant. The bloom months and water need on this page were not.
Growing Dianthus
Plant it in full sun. It prefers low water. It is hardy in USDA zones 3–9. Expect it to reach about 12 in tall and 12 in wide at maturity, in roughly 2 years.
When to plant Dianthus
Plant Dianthus in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, or in early fall at least six weeks before your first frost, so roots establish in cool weather. For the middle of its hardy zones 3 to 9 range, spring means March to May and fall means August or September. Once settled, it blooms from May to August.
Month-by-month timing for your zone is on the planting calendar: for the middle of its range, start with zone 6 in March.
Comes in 12 varieties across 4 colors
Same plant, same care - pick the color you are growing.
Good to know about Dianthus
Curated from university extensions, botanic gardens and other primary sources, with the source named on every note.
Safety
Mildly toxic to dogs and cats: an unknown irritant causes mild stomach upset, and the leaves' saponins can cause mild skin dermatitis in sensitive people. per ASPCA and NC State
Worth knowing
The name 'pinks' comes from the fringed, toothed petal edges, as if trimmed with pinking shears, not from the color. Many are strongly clove-scented. per NC State
Rabbit resistance is uncertain
The species pages and Wisconsin call garden pinks rabbit resistant, but NC State's genus page lists them as vulnerable. Deer resistance is unanimous; rabbit protection is not. per NC State and Wisconsin
The main killer
Crown and root rot in wet, poorly drained soil is the main way garden pinks are lost. Sharp drainage and drying between waterings largely prevent it. per NC State
Short-lived; divide to renew
Garden pinks are short-lived and open up after a few years. Dividing the clumps every 2 to 3 years, in early spring, keeps them vigorous and floriferous. per NC State
Deer resistant
Consistently rated deer resistant across sources: the aromatic, sharp-tasting foliage deters browsing, so deer leave it alone. per NC State
Draws bees and butterflies
The fragrant, nectar-bearing flowers attract bees and butterflies; cheddar pink also draws moths and cottage pink is visited by hummingbirds. A modest but genuine pollinator plant. per NC State
What pairs well with Dianthus
Good companions share its growing conditions and add something it lacks: an earlier or later bloom, a lower carpet in front, or structure through winter.
Goldenrod
Shares full sun and low water; overlaps, then carries the display into mid fall; its seed heads stand through winter, for structure and the birds; both offer pollinator forage.
Autumn Joy Sedum
Shares full sun and low water; overlaps, then carries the display into mid fall; its seed heads stand through winter, for structure and the birds; both offer pollinator forage.
Purple Coneflower
Shares full sun and low water; overlaps, then carries the display into early fall; its seed heads stand through winter, for structure and the birds; both offer pollinator forage.
Pampas Grass
Shares full sun and low water; overlaps, then carries the display into mid fall; its seed heads stand through winter, for structure and the birds; stands well above at 8.2 ft, a canopy to plant beneath.
Rosemary
Shares full sun and low water; opens in early spring and overlaps into this one's season; evergreen, so the bed keeps its shape through winter; both offer pollinator forage.
Fountain Grass
Shares full sun and low water; overlaps, then carries the display into mid fall; its seed heads stand through winter, for structure and the birds; taller at 3.3 ft, for the layer behind it.
Switchgrass
Shares full sun and low water; overlaps, then carries the display into mid fall; its seed heads stand through winter, for structure and the birds; taller at 4.9 ft, for the layer behind it.
Grape Hyacinth
Shares full sun and low water; blooms in early spring, before this one opens; lower at 8 in, for the front of the border; both offer pollinator forage, in different months.
Featured in these guides
Explore similar plants
You might also like
Design a garden with this
Drop this plant onto a 3D plan, see how it fills in, and watch your whole garden bloom across the year.