30 Popular Types Of Dianthus Pictorial Guide

Dianthus, commonly known as carnations, pinks, or sweet williams, is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae. The name Dianthus is derived from two Greek words, ‘dios,” meaning ‘god,” and ‘anthos,” meaning ‘flower,’ which translates to ‘flower of the gods.’ This name is a testament to the beauty and elegance of these flowers, which have been cherished and cultivated for centuries.

The Dianthus genus comprises more than 300 species with a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. The most common color of Dianthus is pink, but they can also be found in shades of red, white, yellow, purple, and even bi-colored. The flowers have five petals, which are fringed or toothed, giving them a unique and attractive appearance. The foliage is typically blue-green or gray-green, and it forms a low mound, making it ideal for use as a ground cover or edging plant.

Dianthus is a hardy perennial that can grow up to 30 cm in height and spread up to 45 cm. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and they grow well in well-drained soil. Dianthus blooms from late spring to mid-summer and attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

The Dianthus flower has a rich cultural history, and it has been used in many ways throughout the ages. In ancient Greece, it was used to make wreaths for the gods and to decorate the tombs of the dead. In medieval Europe, it was used as a symbol of love and fidelity, and it was often given as a gift to a loved one. In Japan, dianthus is a symbol of bravery and is used in traditional Samurai armor.

Today, dianthus is a popular garden plant and is often grown as an ornamental flower. It is commonly used in borders, rock gardens, and containers, and it makes a beautiful cut flower. The flowers are long-lasting and have a spicy, clove-like fragrance that adds to their charm.

Dianthus is easy to grow and care for, making it an ideal plant for beginner gardeners. To plant dianthus, select a sunny location with well-draining soil. Water the plant frequently, but do not add too much water, as this can cause root rot. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season and deadhead regularly to promote new blooms.

In conclusion, Dianthus is a beautiful and versatile plant that can add color and fragrance to any garden. Its rich cultural history and attractive appearance make it a popular choice for gardeners around the world. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting, Dianthus is an excellent choice for your garden.

Here are 30 Popular Types Of Dianthus Pictorial Guide:

Dianthus Barbatus

Dianthus Barbatus, commonly known as Sweet William, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to Europe but has been widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks around the world. The plant produces dense clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of pink, red, and white and is a popular choice for borders, rock gardens, and cottage-style landscapes. Sweet William blooms in late spring to early summer and requires well-drained soil and full sun to thrive.

Dianthus Caryophyllus

Dianthus Caryophyllus is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae, commonly known as carnations or pinks. These herbaceous perennials are native to the Mediterranean region but are widely cultivated as ornamental plants for their fragrant, colorful flowers, which are often used in floral arrangements and as cut flowers. The flowers of Dianthus caryophyllus come in a range of colors, including pink, red, white, and yellow, and can have single or double blooms with frilled or smooth petals. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure.

Dianthus Chinensis

Dianthus Chinensis, also known as the Chinese Pink or Rainbow Pink, is a species of flowering plant native to China. It belongs to the Dianthus genus, which includes more than 300 species of colorful and fragrant flowers. Dianthus Chinensis produces beautiful pink, red, and white blooms with serrated petals and a sweet, spicy scent. It is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and containers and is also used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Dianthus Deltoides

Dianthus Deltoides, also known as Maiden Pink, is a low-growing perennial plant native to Europe and Asia. It produces masses of small pink or white flowers with fringed petals and a spicy fragrance in the summer. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade and is often used in rock gardens, borders, and ground cover.

Dianthus Freynii

Dianthus Freynii is a species of flowering plant in the Caryophyllaceae family, commonly known as Freyn’s carnation. It is a perennial herb that grows up to 20 cm tall and produces pink to purple flowers with a spicy fragrance. It is native to the mountains of Turkey and prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Due to its attractive blooms and hardy nature, it is a popular choice for rock gardens and alpine plantings.

Dianthus Gratianopolitanus

Dianthus Gratianopolitanus, also known as Cheddar Pink, is a species of flowering plant native to Europe. It typically grows in rocky or gravelly habitats and produces clusters of fragrant, pink flowers with fringed petals. The plant is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it a popular choice for rock gardens and borders.

Dianthus Knappii

Dianthus Knappii is a flowering plant in the Caryophyllaceae family that is native to the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe. It is an herbaceous perennial that produces fragrant pink flowers in summer. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in rock gardens and borders.

Dianthus Monspessulanus

Dianthus Monspessulanus, also known as the Montpellier carnation, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is commonly found in rocky habitats and open woodlands. The plant produces beautiful pink or white flowers with a delicate fragrance, and it is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. Dianthus monspessulanus is also known for its medicinal properties and has been used to treat various ailments, including digestive issues and respiratory problems.

Dianthus Myrtinervius

Dianthus Myrtinervius is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Caryophyllaceae. It is a small, perennial herb that typically grows up to 15-20cm tall and has narrow leaves with prominent midribs. The flowers are pink or reddish-pink in color and have a sweet fragrance. This species is native to the mountains of Greece and is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and rockeries.

Dianthus Nardiformis

Dianthus Nardiformis is a species of flowering plant in the carnation family, Caryophyllaceae. It is native to central and southern Europe and typically grows in rocky habitats. The plant produces pink to purple flowers with fringed petals that bloom in the summer. It is a relatively small plant, growing up to 20cm in height, and has narrow, grass-like leaves.

Dianthus Pavonius

Dianthus Pavonius, commonly known as Peacock Pink, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to southern Europe and produces showy pink flowers with a distinctive dark eye in the center. The plant typically grows in rocky, well-draining soils and is often cultivated as an ornamental for its attractive blooms.

Dianthus Pinifolius

Dianthus Pinifolius is a low-growing, evergreen perennial plant that belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to southern Europe and western Asia and is commonly known as pine-leaved pink. The plant has narrow, needle-like leaves that resemble those of a pine tree and produces fragrant, bright pink flowers in the summer months. Dianthus pinifolius is a hardy plant that is well-suited for rock gardens and borders, and it can thrive in poor soil conditions. It is also a popular choice for attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.

Dianthus Plumarius

Dianthus Plumarius, commonly known as the cottage pink, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. This herbaceous perennial is native to Europe and Asia and is prized for its fragrant pink or white flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. It typically grows to a height of 30–60 cm and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Dianthus plumarius is often used in cottage gardens, rock gardens, and borders, and is also a popular cut flower.

Dianthus Pungens

Dianthus Pungens, also known as Spiny Pink or Cheddar Pink, is a low-growing perennial plant with blue-green, spiky foliage and small, pink, fringed flowers. It is native to rocky, mountainous regions of Europe and is a popular choice for rock gardens and borders due to its attractive and hardy nature. The plant blooms in late spring to early summer and can tolerate dry, sandy soil and full sun exposure. The spiky leaves of Dianthus Pungens are often used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Dianthus Seguieri

Dianthus Seguieri is a perennial herbaceous plant species belonging to the Dianthus genus, which is native to France, Spain, and Portugal. The plant typically grows up to 20cm in height, with narrow leaves and fragrant pink flowers that bloom in summer. It is commonly grown in rock gardens or as a border plant due to its attractive flowers and low maintenance requirements.

Dianthus Sylvestris

Dianthus Sylvestris, commonly known as Woodland Pink, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to Europe and Western Asia and is often found growing in woodland and meadow habitats. The plant produces delicate pink to white flowers with fringed petals that bloom in late spring to early summer. Its foliage is blue-green and forms a low clump, making it a popular choice for rock gardens and borders.

Dianthus Superbus

Dianthus Superbus, also known as Fringed Pink, is an herbaceous perennial plant native to Asia and Europe. It typically grows up to 60 cm tall and produces showy, fragrant flowers with fringed edges in shades of pink, white, and purple. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure and is commonly grown in gardens and used as a cut flower in floral arrangements. It is also believed to have medicinal properties and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments.

Dianthus Versicolor

Dianthus Versicolor is a species of perennial herb that belongs to the carnation family, Caryophyllaceae. It is native to the Caucasus region and can grow up to 30 centimeters in height. The flowers of Dianthus versicolor are pinkish-purple with a white center and appear in late spring to early summer. This species is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its attractive flowers and low maintenance requirements.

Dianthus Alpinus

Dianthus Alpinus, commonly known as Alpine Pink or Alpine Carnation, is a perennial flowering plant native to the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. It grows in compact clumps with narrow, grass-like leaves and produces fragrant pink or white flowers in late spring to early summer. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, making it a popular choice for rock gardens and alpine plantings.

Dianthus Anatolicus

Dianthus Anatolicus is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae. It is commonly known as the Anatolian pink and is native to Turkey. The plant grows up to 30 centimeters in height and produces beautiful, pink-colored flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. The Anatolian Pink is a popular garden plant due to its attractive flowers and easy-to-grow nature.

Dianthus Armeria

Dianthus Armeria is a species of flowering plant in the carnation family, Caryophyllaceae. It is commonly known as “Deep Pink or Wild Pink” and is native to Europe and western Asia. The plant produces small, fragrant, pink flowers with fringed petals on stems that can grow up to 50 cm tall. It typically blooms from May to August and prefers well-drained soils in sunny locations. The plant is often cultivated as an ornamental and has been used in traditional medicine for its antispasmodic and diuretic properties.

Dianthus Carthusianorum

Dianthus Carthusianorum, also known as Carthusian Pink or Chartreuse Pink, is a perennial herb native to Europe. It has slender stems that grow up to 60cm in height and small pink flowers with deeply fringed petals that bloom from June to September. It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun, making it a popular choice for rock gardens and borders. This plant is known for its delicate beauty and sweet fragrance.

Dianthus Erinaceus

Dianthus Erinaceus is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. Commonly known as hedgehog pink, it is a perennial herb that is native to rocky, mountainous regions of southern Europe and Asia. The plant produces attractive, pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in summer and are beloved by bees and butterflies. It is a hardy plant that can thrive in various soil types and is often used in rock gardens, as borders, and as ground cover.

Dianthus Furcatus

Dianthus Furcatus is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia and is commonly known as forked pink due to its branched stems and delicate pink flowers with fringed petals. This perennial plant is often grown as an ornamental in gardens and is valued for its long flowering period and attractive appearance. It likes well-drained soil and full sunlight to partial shade.

Dianthus Gallicus

Dianthus Gallicus, also known as the French pink, is a flowering plant species in the Caryophyllaceae family. This perennial herb grows up to 40 cm tall and produces fragrant, pink flowers with serrated petals. It is native to France and Spain but has been introduced to other parts of the world as an ornamental plant. Dianthus gallicus is often cultivated in gardens for its attractive blooms and pleasant fragrance.

Dianthus Giganteus

Dianthus Giganteus is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae, commonly known as giant pink. It is an herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height, with large pink or white flowers that bloom in the summer. It is native to the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia and is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens for its striking appearance.

Dianthus Serotinus

Dianthus Serotinus, also known as Late-Flowering Pink, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Caryophyllaceae. It typically grows to a height of 30–60 cm and produces fragrant, pink or purple flowers from July to September. This species is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found in rocky areas, open woodlands, and grasslands. It is a popular ornamental plant and is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Dianthus Haematocalyx

Dianthus Haematocalyx is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Dianthus genus, which is native to the eastern Mediterranean region. It is a low-growing perennial herb that typically produces small pink or white flowers with a spicy fragrance. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade and is commonly used in rock gardens, borders, and as ground cover.

Dianthus Pontederae

Dianthus Pontederae is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae, native to the Italian region of Tuscany. It typically grows in rocky areas and produces showy, pink flowers with fringed petals in the summer months. The plant has a compact growth habit and can reach up to 20 cm in height. It is considered a rare and endangered species in its native habitat.

Dianthus Zonatus

Dianthus Zonatus is a species of flowering plant in the Caryophyllaceae family, commonly known as the striped pink or zoned pink. It is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial native to the Mediterranean region, with narrow, grass-like leaves and distinctive pink flowers with dark pink stripes. It is often grown as an ornamental plant in rock gardens or as a groundcover.

How To Grow And Care For Dianthus

Dianthus, also known as “pinks,” are popular flowering plants that are easy to grow and care for.

Location: Choose a sunny spot in your garden for your dianthus, as they need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Soil: Dianthus prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH level. If your soil is heavy or clay-based, you can improve it by adding compost or sand to improve drainage.

Watering: Water your dianthus deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot, so make sure the soil is not too wet.

Fertilizer: Dianthus does not require heavy feeding, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer in the spring and fall to promote healthy growth.

Pruning: Deadhead your dianthus regularly to encourage more blooms and prevent them from going to seed. You can also trim back the plant in early spring to promote new growth.

Pests and Diseases: Dianthus is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but you should keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Apply an appropriate insecticide or fungicide whenever there are any pests.

Propagation: Dianthus can be propagated by division or stem cuttings. To propagate by division, dig up the plant in the spring and separate the clumps into smaller sections. To propagate by taking stem cuttings, take a cutting from a healthy plant and plant it in well-draining soil.

By following these tips, you can easily grow and care for beautiful Dianthus plants in your garden.

How To Propagate Dianthus

Dianthus, commonly known as “pinks,” are easy-to-grow plants that are popular in gardens for their attractive flowers and lovely fragrance. There are several methods you can use to propagate Dianthus, including by seed, cuttings, and division.

Propagate Dianthus by seed:

• Collect the seeds from the dried flower heads of the plant.
• Sow the seeds in a seed-starting mix or a well-draining soil mix.
• Keep the soil moist and place the container in a warm, bright location.
• Once the seedlings are large enough, transplant them into individual pots or outdoors into a garden bed.

Propagate Dianthus by cuttings:

• Take a 3–4-iinch cutting from a healthy Dianthus plant.
• Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
• Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder.
• Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix.
• Keep the soil moist and place the container in bright, but not direct, light.
• Once roots have developed, transplant the cutting into individual pots or outdoors into a garden bed.

Propagate Dianthus by division:

• Dig up an established Dianthus plant in the early spring or fall.
• Gently separate the plant into several smaller clumps, each with its own set of roots.
• Plant the smaller clumps in a well-draining soil mix.
• Keep the soil moist and place the container in bright, but not direct, light.
• Once the plants have established themselves, transplant them into individual pots or outdoors into a garden bed.

Regardless of the propagation method you choose, be sure to provide your new Dianthus plants with the appropriate amount of water, light, and nutrients to ensure their healthy growth.

Top 5 FAQ And Answers For Dianthus

Q: What is Dianthus?
A: Dianthus is a genus of flowering plants that belong to the family Caryophyllaceae. They are commonly known as pinks, due to the fringed flower petals that have a serrated or pinked edge. Dianthus plants come in a wide range of sizes and colors, from miniature plants that are only a few inches tall to tall varieties that can grow up to 3 feet tall.

Q: How do I grow Dianthus?
A: Dianthus plants prefer well-drained soil and full sun, although they can tolerate partial shade. They are generally easy to grow and require moderate watering. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage more flowers to bloom throughout the growing season. Dianthus can be propagated by seed or by taking cuttings in the spring or fall.

Q: How do I care for Dianthus in the winter?
A: Dianthus plants are generally hardy and can withstand some frost and cold temperatures. However, in areas with harsh winters, it’s important to protect them by adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This will help insulate the roots and prevent them from freezing.

Q: How long do Dianthus plants bloom?
A: Dianthus plants typically bloom in the late spring or early summer, and their flowers can last for several weeks. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage the plant to produce more flowers throughout the growing season. Some varieties of Dianthus, such as the Sweet William, are biennial and will only bloom every other year.

Q: Are Dianthus plants edible?
A: Yes, some species of Dianthus are edible and are commonly used as a garnish or in salads. The petals of the flowers have a slightly sweet and spicy flavor, similar to cloves. However, it’s important to note that not all species of Dianthus are edible, and some may be toxic. If you plan to use Dianthus flowers in your cooking, make sure you have positively identified the species and have confirmed its edibility.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Dianthus

1. Dianthus is a genus of flowering plants that includes over 300 species, commonly known as carnations, pinks, or sweet williams.
2. The name “dianthus” comes from the Greek words “dios” (meaning “god”) and “anthos” (meaning “flower”), which translate to “divine flower”.
3. Dianthus flowers come in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, white, yellow, and purple. Many varieties also feature bi-colored petals.
4. Dianthus flowers are fragrant and have a spicy, clove-like scent that is often used in perfumes and colognes.
5. Some species of Dianthus are annuals, while others are perennials. Perennial dianthus plants are hardy and can live for several years with proper care.
6. Dianthus flowers are popular in bouquets and floral arrangements due to their long vase life and attractive appearance.
7. Dianthus plants are easy to grow and maintain, making them a popular choice for home gardeners. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade.
8. Dianthus flowers have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. They were believed to have astringent and antiseptic properties and were used to treat various ailments, including respiratory problems, digestive issues, and skin conditions.
9. Dianthus plants are a favorite of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. They are also resistant to deer and rabbit damage.
10. In many cultures, dianthus flowers symbolize love, passion, and devotion. They are often given as gifts to express affection and admiration.