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Common name:

Cheddar Pinks, Cottage Pinks, Sweet William, Carnations

Botanical name:

Dianthus spp

Dianthus is the quintessential cottage garden plant. They are loved for their blue-green grass like foliage and loads of starry flowers that are often clove scented. The dianthus genus includes over 27,000 registered cultivar varieties.

Removing the spent flowers encourages a second round of blooming. Dianthus attract butterflies and pollinators. They are resistant to damage from deer but will be eaten by rabbits.

  • Light Requirements: Part to full sun.
  • Water Requirements: Dianthus won’t tolerate overly wet soil and needs a well draining location.
  • Characteristics: Growing 4 inches to 3 feet, Dianthus can be annual, biennial or perennial. Flower color ranges from white, yellow, pink, coral, red and purple.
  • Uses: Depending on the variety you choose, they can be used as a border plant, in rock gardens, grouped in garden beds. They make great additions to cottage gardens, cutting gardens and in containers.
  • Interesting Facts: The common name pink comes from the fringed edges of the petals that look like they were trimmed with pinking shears.
  • Varieties:
    • ‘Yellow Bling Bling’ has beautiful double yellow, scented blooms and grows 10 to 12 inches tall.
    • Perennial ‘Coral Reef’ is an evergreen perennial with deep coral double flowers that have white edges and a spicy fragrance. 8 to 10 inches.
    • ‘Sweetie Pie’ produces loads of semi double pink flowers with a darker eye. Mounding foliage, 12 to 14 inches.
Dianthus are also known “Carnations” or “Sweet Williams”
There are around 300-species of Dianthus, and most of them are native to Asia and Eastern Europe
Dianthus flowers consist of five petals, with a zigzag or frilled edge
The Dianthus name comes from the combination of Dios (god) and anthos (flower), from the Greek language, which translates into the “flower of the gods.”
Himmel's Landscaping & Garden Center

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