Dianthus, Perennial (Dianthus)


Dianthus, Perennial Plant Features

This large family of sun-loving, easy-care bloomers includes compact forms, occasionally called pinks, and taller forms that include carnations. Because they are tolerant of cool weather, perennial dianthus are reliable spring bloomers that will, if it doesn't get too hot, continue to bloom through most of the summer. All perennial dianthus have pretty blue-green foliage that looks terrific paired with their deliciously fragrant pink, white, rose, yellow, red, or bi-colored flowers. Butterflies love the nectar-rich blooms, too. Use perennial dianthus in mixed containers or plant them in drifts or clumps in your flower border or rock garden. Dianthus is also deer resistant. Hardy from zones 4-8.

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Dianthus, Perennial Growing Instructions

All perennial dianthus grow best in full sun. Plant them early in the season so they can become well established before hot weather strikes. They like rich, well drained soil and you may have to stake taller members of the family to keep them from toppling. Perennial dianthus will struggle if planted in wet soil. 

Dianthus is not recommended for human or animal consumption.
  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Outside: Sun

  • Colors

    Pink

    Purple

    Red

    White

    Yellow

  • Special Features

    Attracts butterflies

    Attracts hummingbirds

    Colorful foliage

    Deer/rabbit resistant

    Fragrant flowers/foliage


Complement your Dianthus, Perennial

Artemisia
With its silver-gray foliage, Artemisia is the perfect partner for Dianthus with its blue-green leaves.

Columbine
Enjoy a festival of spring bloom by pairing Perennial Dianthus with Columbine.

Geranium, Perennial
The brightly colored blooms of Cranesbill Geranium make a bold partner for the more pastel flowers of Perennial Dianthus.


Our favorite varieties

Jolt Cherry

Jolt Cherry

Dianthus 'Jolt Cherry'

Jolt Cherry dianthus can be grown as an annual or perennial. It's loved for its bright pinkish-red flowers and heat tolerance, allowing it to bloom later into summer than older varieties. It grows 20 inches tall and 16 inches wide. Zones 7-10

Jolt Pink

Jolt Pink

Dianthus 'Jolt Pink'

Part of the new generation of dianthus, Jolt Pink offers outstanding heat tolerance, so it to continues bloom later than other varieties. It grows 20 inches tall and 16 inches wide. Zones 7-10 as a perennial

Grenadin Red

Grenadin Red

Dianthus 'Grenadin Red'

Grenadin Red dianthus is a stunning selection with rich crimson-red flowers in late spring and early summer. The blossoms hold up well in bouquets. It grows 24 inches tall and wide. Zones 7-8

Beauties Kate

Beauties Kate

Dianthus 'Beauties Kate'

Beauties Kate perennial dianthus is a charming selection that shows off large and fragrant, hot-pink flowers in spring. It grows 6 inches tall and wide. Zones 4-8

Early Bird Pop Star

Early Bird Pop Star

Dianthus 'Early Bird Pop Star'

A top performer in our South Carolina Trial Garden, Early Bird Pop Star shows off strongly fragrant lavender-pink blooms marked with a red-pink center. It grows 8 inches tall and wide. Zones 5-8

Superstar

Superstar

Dianthus 'Star Single Superstar'

A top pick from our South Carolina Trial Garden, Star Single Superstar shows off single pink flowers marked with red-pink centers. It's fragrant, heat-tolerant, and blooms for weeks. Zones 5-8