Dianthus is a genus of flowering plant in the Caryophyllaceae family that includes around 300 individual species and innumerable cultivars. Most of these are native to Europe and Asia, with a limited number extending to north Africa and the Arctic regions of North America.
Most Dianthus species are herbaceous perennials with a few that are annual or biennial, and a handful of subshrubs with woody basal stems. The leaves are linear and opposite, and are usually gray green to blue green.
The flowers have five petals and often have frilled edges. Most come in shades of pink or purple. There are no naturally occurring blue flowers in this genus, although a few patented cultivars have been created by genetic engineering. Many species exhibit a strong, spicy fragrance.
The genus includes a number of popular garden plants and commercially cut flowers, such as:
Getting started with Dianthus? Check out our beginners’ growing guide here.
Carnations, sweet williams, and pinks are long-lasting in the garden and cut arrangements. With a spicy fragrance, Dianthus flowers sport attractive shades of pink, red, white, and purple that bloom all summer long. A stand-out in borders, rockeries, and window boxes, get all the growing details now on Gardener’s Path.
Pretty colors, a knockout fragrance, and easy growth are the hallmarks of garden pinks. Old-fashioned favorites, new cultivars add to their charm with improved growth, a longer bloom period, and vibrant color combos in pink, red, and white. Learn how to grow these enchanting flowers here on Gardeners Path.