Dianthus - next in the plant education series

Above is the variety Rose Magic. There are 300 species in the genus Dianthus. Each species can have numerous 'varieties' as well. Dianthus can be annuals (living one season in our zone) Bi-ennials (living 2 seasons in our zone) or perennials, (living more than 3 seasons in our zone). Rose Magic is a true perennial, having lived 4 years in my field already and showing no decline.

Sangria Splash is shown above. Photo does this beauty no justice. Brilliant color, these always sold fast. This type has a very loose & open habit. In Greek, Dianthus translates to 'god flower.'

Tiny Rubies shown above. Sooooooo cute, you want to hug them, but you will have to settle for just petting them. These dianthus get tiny little stems with tiny little flowers on them. Pretty when in flower, but the dense round shape really steals the show. Tiny Rubies has survived 3 winters at Earthworks. Dianthus are also called 'pinks.' Not due to their color, which can also be white, but to the distinct cut edge that the flowers have. Pinking means - a perforated, punched look, or reference could be to that of a 'pinking' shears. Historians are not sure, so how can I be? Dianthus are also called 'Sweet William,' (often incorrectly used) which is one of the 300 genus's of dianthus. Tall, florist type carnations are also dianthus. They are 'annual' types that are challenging to grow in zone 4.

Plant info:

-some of the dianthus are fragrant, often a spicy clove scent

-foliage, can be silvery, blueish or green

-flowers color: white, pink, reds, yellows, purply and bi-colored flowers

-short-lived, many perennial dianthus are shortlived, lasting 3-5 years before disappearing

-perfect plant for the 'cottage garden'

-plants prefer full sun

-well drained location, average water needs

-cut back plants after hard frost

-if perennials start to decline, digging, dividing & re-planting can maybe revive! But sometimes

dying out is their life cycle

-plants are normally 6-18 tall depending on type, so front of border best

-great as a cut flower, long lasting in the vase