There are numerous types of
dianthus, so there's one for almost any garden situation. Many types have
flowers with a fragrant, spicy scent and notched petals. Common dianthus
include Sweet William, pinks, and carnations.
About
This Plant
Most dianthus have pink, red, or
white flowers with notched petals. Sweet Williams are biennial or short-lived
perennials covered with bicolor flowers in late spring. Pinks are low-growing
dianthus suitable for rock gardens. Carnations are taller and good for bouquets
but tend to be less hardy than other dianthus.
Special
Features
- Multiplies readily
- Fragrant
- Good for cut flowers
- Deer resistant
Site
Selection
Select a site with full sun and
well-drained soil, preferably with neutral to alkaline soil pH. Dianthus won't
tolerate wet soils, especially in winter.
Planting Instructions
Plant in spring or fall, spacing
plants 6 to 12 inches apart, depending on the type. Prepare the garden bed by
using a garden fork or tiller to loosen soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches,
then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost. Dig a hole twice the diameter of
the plant's container.
Carefully remove the plant from its pot and place it in
the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Carefully
fill in around the root ball and firm the soil gently. Water thoroughly.
Care
Apply a thin layer of compost
each spring, followed by a 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and control
weeds. Water plants during the summer if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week.
Stake tall varieties to keep them upright.
Remove spent blooms on tall
varieties, or shear back mounding plants after bloom to encourage rebloom.
After the first killing frost, cut stems back to an inch or two above soil
line. Divide plants every 3 to 4 years as new growth begins in the spring,
lifting plants and dividing them into clumps.
Source: www.garden.org
