What Is Dianthus SPP?

Identification

• Dianthus plants are commonly called pinks, China pinks, carnations or Sweet William, depending on the species. They range in size from 6 to 30 inches tall with a 6- to 12-inch spread. Their slender, opposite bluish-gray or greenish-gray leaves resemble grass. Some species and hybrids yield thick clusters of single blooms, while others produce double blossoms in shades of purple, pink, red and white, as well as multicolor. The flowers may be cut or fringed, depending on the species. Several varieties are lightly fragrant, while others have no odor.

Species and Hybrids

• Several varieties of dianthusinclude D. chinensis, a dwarf variety growing between 6 and 18 inches tall yielding nonfragrant single blossoms; D. barbatus varies in size from 5 to 24 inches and has an eye or spot in the flower's center; D. knappi, which reaches 16 inches in height, produces yellow flowers; D. superbus yields fragrant, fringed blossoms; and D. plumarius has fragrant leaves and blossoms. D. x allwoodii produces lightly fragrant, salmon-colored flowers.

Caring for Dianthus

• Dianthus plants prefer full sunlight and nutrient-rich, well-draining, moist soil. They vary in cold tolerance, depending on the cultivar. Gardeners plant them as annuals in cooler locations, while enthusiasts in United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 8 to 10 plant them as short-lived perennials or biennials. Deadheading spent blooms encourages continuous flowering. Use a controlled-release fertilizer when planting dianthusor fertilize the flowers each month with water-soluble plant food. Provide plants with extra water during hot weather. They propagate from seeds or cuttings.

Problems and Pests

• A number of bacteria and fungi attack dianthus plantings. The Botrytis cinerea fungus causes botrytis blight; a grayish fungal growth forms on the flower petals, turning the blossoms turn brown. Rhizoctonio stem rot and fusarium stem rot damage stems, while purplish spots characterize alternaria leaf spot and yellowed foliage. Bacterial wilt disease rots the roots and wilts the plant. Rabbits, slugs and grasshoppers feed on dianthus leaves. Aphids and spider mites drain sap from the foliage.