Description
Pinks (Dianthus chinensis)
Dianthus are colourful, long-flowering favourites loved for their frilly blooms, spicy fragrance and easy-care nature. Closely related to carnations and Sweet William, they brighten gardens with shades of pink, red, white and purple.
Cultivation & Care
Dianthus are hardy, heat-tolerant and frost-resistant, making them ideal for gardens throughout most of South Africa. They flower for long periods and perform best in full sun and well-drained soil.
- Plant in full sun with good airflow.
- Water regularly during hot, dry weather.
- Avoid planting too deeply when transplanting seedlings.
- Feed every 4 to 6 weeks for continuous flowering.
- Remove spent flowers and trim plants back after flowering to encourage new blooms.
Seeds can be sown in spring or autumn and germinate quickly in warm conditions.
In the Garden
Dianthus are perfect for flower borders, rockeries, hanging baskets and containers. Their sweet scent makes them a must-have for cottage and scented gardens, where they pair beautifully with roses, lavender and scented geraniums.
They also combine well with:
- Pansies and violas
- Petunias and snapdragons
- Salvia and verbena
- Zinnias and delphiniums
Excellent as cut flowers, pinks add lasting colour and fragrance to small bouquets and indoor arrangements.
