What you need to know about Dianthus
Flowering plants
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Dianthus (also popularly known as “pinks”) is a wonderful summer annual that never fails to impress in the warmer months. These sun-loving flowers add a splash of beautiful colour to borders, pots and window boxes – and you can count on them to flower all season along.
Plant them in full sun in well-draining, alkaline soil. If your soil tends to be very clayish, break it up by adding plenty of compost prior to planting. Dianthus plants should be spaced about 20cm apart to ensure optimal air circulation (which helps to prevent fungal diseases). They like to be watered deeply, but less often – you can allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions. If they start to look a bit scruffy, don’t hesitate to cut them back. Dianthus can be cut back up to 3-4 times and will respond each time by producing a new spectacular flush.
Did you know? The name dianthus comes from the Greek words “dios” (divine) and “anthos” (flower). Many people believe that the common name of these flowers (“pinks”) is due to the fact that most of them are shades of cherry-red and pink. However, the name actually comes from their frilly, “pinked” edges.