Family: Caryophyllaceae
Common Name: Carnation, Pinks

This large genus of annual, biennial or peren­nial plants is mostly native to Europe and the Mediterranean. In antiquity, Dianthus was con­sidered the divine flower, the flower of Jupiter or Zeus. It has been cultivated for many cen­turies, especially as a source of oil for use in soaps and perfumes. Many of the species are fragrant and are attractive to butterflies. These are often referred to as clove-scented. They are easy to grow, being hardy in most climates. Carnations are some of the best cut flowers of the genus. In fact, they are believed to be the most popular cut flower in world trade. Alpine species are suited to rockeries.

Species

D. alpinus, zone 3, is a perennial, to 8 cm (3 in), suitable for growing in rockeries. It has long-petalled flowers, trimmed with red-dish purple and speckled with white.

D. barba­tus, sweet William, zone 4, is a short-lived annual, biennial or perennial, to 60 cm (24 in), sometimes with double flowers, mostly in red, pink or purple, in late spring and early summer. It is a popular garden flower. Many cultivars are available.

D. caryophyllus, carnation or clove pink, zone 8, is a short-lived, upright plant, to I m (3 ft), with silvery gray lance-shaped leaves and often double, large, fragrant flowers in white, pink, red, purple, yellow, apricot-orange and white, spotted with red.

D. chinensis, Indian pink (often simply called dianthus), zone 7, from China, is mainly grown as an annual, with heights ranging from 15 to 70 cm (6-28 in). It has rose-lilac flowers with purple eyes. Cultivars are available in single or mixed colours.

D. deltoides, maiden pink, zone 3, is a dwarf, mat-forming perennial. Its deep pink, single, fringed flowers bloom in spring and early summer.

D. gratianopolitanus, Cheddar pink, zone 3, is a mat-forming perennial, to 15 cm (6 in), with very fragrant, rose pink flow­ers.

D. plumarius, cottage pink or grass pink, zone 3, is a loosely tufted, evergreen perennial, to 40 cm (16 in), with narrow leaves and often fringed flowers in rose, purple, white or multi-colours.

D. subacaulis, zone 5, an alpine peren­nial to 5 cm (2 in), has a dense growth habit, a woody base and deep pink flowers.

Cultivation

Most Dianthus species like a slightly alkaline soil and sharp drainage, though some of the alpine species can tolerate acidic soils. All do well in sandy loam. Propagate the annual and biennial species from seed sown in spring, the perennials from cut­tings taken in summer immediately after flow­ering. Root them in sharp sand.

Climate

There are Dianthus suited to various climatic zones.