Dianthus Planting in Hanging Baskets

Planting in Hanging Baskets

• When growing dianthus in baskets, place them in sunny locations that receive at least six hours of sun each day. Though some varieties do tolerates partial shade, plants tend to become lanky and produce less flowers if they don't get enough sun. Dianthus grow best in slightly alkaline soil, so add ground limestone to raise the pH of the potting medium if necessary. Use a soilless mix for hanging baskets, as it weighs much less than potting soil, and amend the mix with a slow-release fertilizer to ensure adequate nutrients. Transplant dianthus plants to the hanging basket on a day without direct sun and provide regular water. Good companions for container planting include coral bells (Heuchera sanguinea), lamb's-ear (Stachys byzantina), larkspur (Delphinium spp.), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), petunias (Calibrachoa x hybrid) and sage (Salvia spp.).

Dianthus Barbatus

• Also known as sweet William, Dianthus barbatus grows as an annual, biennial or perennial, depending on cultivar and climate. This species is named for its sweet fragrance and the French term for “little eye,” or “oiellet,” rather than for a person named William. This dianthus blooms in late spring with sweetly scented, single or double flowers in shades of purple, lavender, pink, red and white. It prefers sunny or partially shaded sites. Cultivars include the tiny, 5-inch-tall Wee Willie; the Giant Imperial that grows as a biennial; and the 2-foot-tall perennial Amazon.

D. Chinensis

• Pinks or China pinks (D. chinensis) also grow as annuals, biennials or short-lived perennials, although, according to Colorado State University Extension, annuals produce the most attractive flowers. Pinks grow from 6 to 18 inches tall and thrive in sun or partial shade. Most bloom through summer with scentless flowers. Cultivars and hybrids include Diamond Carmine, which produces deep pink flowers; the multicolored pink-red Floral Lace Picotee; the creamy Floral Lace White; and Corona Cherry Magic, which produces cherry-red, lavender with red centers, and variegated lavender-red blooms all on the same plant.

D. Chinensis x Barbatus

• Hyrbid pinks (D. chinensis x barbatus) are a cross between sweet William and China pinks. These spring-blooming hybrids tolerate heat, are cold hardy and produce larger flowers. They grow as annuals or biennials and reach heights between 12 and 20 inches. Cultivars include Ideal Violet, which has bright-green foliage and blooms with purple blossoms, and the multicolored, pink-edged Ideal Cherry Picotee.