Dianthus - Carnation

Dianthus are perennial plants that will come back every year. Plant Pinks in a sunny area of your garden, although carnations can benefit from some afternoon shade in hotter climates. Space your dianthus at least 12” apart as carnations spread quickly and easily. Pinks do best in well draining soil with average water to get established. Drought-tolerant carnations will only need to be watered during Summer. Remove spent dianthus flowers to encourage repeat blooming. It’s beneficial to add a thin layer of compost and mulch around your perennial dianthus each Spring to help retain moisture and control weeds.
 

After the dianthus flowers fade, use small clippers to cut the dianthus flower stems back into the foliage. In addition to helping your carnations rebloom, deadheading your Pinks will help keep your perennial dianthus from producing seeds and spreading. If you do want your carnations to spread, avoid deadheading your perennial dianthus once all the blooms have been spent.
 

Deer are not attracted to dianthus plants. Carnations are deer resistant as deer don’t like the dianthus flower’s spiky centers and/or scented leaves.    
 

Dianthus will spread and fill in quickly. Deadhead after dianthus flowers are spent to avoid spreading. If the carnations become too crowded, you can easily divide the dianthus by digging them up and cutting them in half or quarters, and then replanting the perennial plants.
 

Dianthus plants will bloom from Spring to Summer, with some continuing through Fall. This long-blooming perennial plant will benefit from regular deadheading to keep the flowers that bloom all Summer continuing.
 

Dianthus, or Pinks, Sweet William, or carnations, are perennial plants and will grow back every year, with beautiful flowers that bloom all Summer.
 

Dianthus is a sun-loving perennial. You can plant Pinks in part shade but you will not get as many dianthus flowers. Carnations can benefit from some afternoon shade in hotter climates.
 

Some of our favorites carnations are Dianthus Raspberry Swirl, Dianthus Early Bird Fizzy, Dianthus Pinball Wizard, Dianthus Plumarius Thea Mary, Dianthus Georgia Peach Pie, Dianthus Plumarius Rose de Mai, Dianthus Bumbleberry Pie and Dianthus Scent First Coconut Surprise.