Dianthus chinensis
Photo courtesy All-America Selections
Botanical Name
Dianthus chinensis
Hardiness
Hardy annual
Height
6 to 12 inches
Width
12 inches
Flowers
Summer thru fall: red, pink, white, bi-color
Light
Full sun to part shade
Soil
Moist, well-drained, cool
Planting and Care
Space smaller varieties 6 inches apart and taller varieties 12 inches apart, trim back when ratty
Problems
Crown rot in poorly drained soils, rust
Varieties to Consider
'Telstar' Series - compact, heat tolerance (D. barbatus x chinensis)
'Carpet' - 6-8", compact
'Queen of Hearts' - 12-15", compact, 1972 AAS winner
'Parfait' - compact, single frilled flowers
'Can Can Scarlet' - double, fragrant, 14"
'Carpet' - 6-8", compact
'Queen of Hearts' - 12-15", compact, 1972 AAS winner
'Parfait' - compact, single frilled flowers
'Can Can Scarlet' - double, fragrant, 14"
Did you know?
Pinks get their name not from their color, but form the sawtoothed edge of their flower petals. It resembles the zigzag edge left by the cut of pinking shears. Flower petals are edible and have a spicy, clove flavor.