Grow dianthus for fragrant flowers and fancy foliage

 Grow dianthus for fragrant flowers 

Dianthus has beautiful silvery green foliage topped with delicately scented flowers in spring. Add one or more to your garden!

Dianthus Care and Growing Tips

Looking for fragrant flowers and beautiful foliage? Dianthus may be just what you need in your flower garden. The tight mound of gray foliage is as attractive as the delicious spicy flowers.

Dianthus

Dianthus hybrids

Zones 3 to 9

Full sun

Well-draining soil

The spicy clove scent of the flowers is what many people refer to as "pinks," but some pinks actually have no scent at all. Give it a sniff before you buy, you won't be disappointed. Note: The "pink" nickname refers to the edges of the flowers, which look like they've been cut with pink scissors, not the color.

They are closely related to carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) and share their scent. The flowers grow on tender stalks about 6 inches high above the plant, and are perfect for cutting small vases or bud vases.

As an added bonus, fragrant dianthus attract native bees and butterflies to your garden.

Varieties of dianthus

Bath's Pink is an old reliable with pale pink flowers. This type of dianthus forms a mat of silvery-green, fragrant flowers floating on delicate stems above each spring. Also look for two-tone pink kisses or firewitches, also known as cheddar pinks, with fragrant flowers reminiscent of cloves.

Not pink flower color? Try Mrs. Sinkins, a favorite from the Victorian era for its fluffy white flowers, or Black Cherry Frost for semi-double red flowers.

Where to Plant Dianthus

This plant's low, mat-forming growth habit makes it an interesting choice for a ground cover or rock wall. Be sure to plant it in well-draining soil where it doesn't get too wet during the winter months, or crown rot may occur.

Choose full sun spots for best growth and flowering. Cut back spent flowers to encourage new blooms throughout the spring and bloom again in the fall.