Do you want to adorn your gardens with dazzling colors that beckon pollinators?
Dianthus chinensis, more commonly known as Chinese pinks, adds vibrant shades of pink, red, and white to outdoor gardens. These flowers are not only attractive, but they also play a significant role in attracting pollinators.
In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to successfully grow and care for Dianthus chinensis in your garden.
Dianthus Chinensis in a Nutshell
Dianthus chinensis originates from Korea, China, Mongolia, and Russia. It’s a member of Caryophyllaceae, commonly known as the carnation family.
This perennial plant features serrated petals and typically reaches heights of up to 2.5 feet, forming clumps or mounds that span approximately 10 inches in width. It thrives in cooler climates and flourishes in well-drained soil.
In late spring, clusters of flowers in shades of pink, red, or white burst into bloom on its slender, branching stems. The petals with delicate fringes look as if they’ve been meticulously cut with pinking shears.
Dianthus Chinensis Care
Best Time to Plant
If you want to sow Dianthus chinensis seeds directly in your garden, it’s best to wait until after the last frost date has passed.
You also have the option to sow the seeds indoors approximately 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. You may then transfer the seedlings outdoors around one to two weeks before the last frost date.
Selecting the Right Soil
Dianthus chinensis thrives in well-drained soil since they dislike an environment where water doesn’t accumulate around their roots.
They are adaptable to various soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay. They prefer a soil pH ranging from 7.0 to slightly above 8.0.
How to Plant Dianthus Chinensis
When sowing Dianthus seeds during early spring, cover them with a very thin layer of soil to allow light for proper germination.
If you use nursery pots in late spring, here’s how to do it:
- Prepare a planting hole that matches the depth and is twice as wide as the root ball.
- Gently place the plant in the pot.
- Fill it with soil, and consider adding slow-release fertilizer.
- Also, make sure to water the plant thoroughly.
Light and Temperature Preferences
Dianthus chinensis thrives in full to partial sunlight. In areas with hot climates, provide them some shade during the afternoon.
They also grow best in cooler temperatures, provided that the soil maintains its proper drainage.
Ideal Planting Locations
Chinese pinks harmonize beautifully with different garden styles, including cottage gardens, rock gardens, and butterfly gardens. You can grow them in garden beds and containers to suit your gardening preferences.
They can also be an excellent option for the middle section of borders since they have a maximum height of 2.5 feet and attractive narrow foliage. In warmer climates, just be sure to shield them from intense afternoon sun exposure.
Uses of Dianthus Chinensis
Medicine: For more than 2,000 years, people in China have used Dianthus chinensis in traditional medicine, calling it a “bitter tonic herb,” to help with the urinary tract, digestive system, and bowel issues.
People also use Dianthus chinensis plants to treat skin irritations and swelling. Its dried, crushed leaves can help with eye problems.
Gardening: In gardens, Dianthus flowers are like magnets to pollinators, like bees, butterflies, and birds.
Companion Plants for Dianthus Chinensis
To complement the beauty of Chinese pinks in your garden, consider these companion plants:
- Lavender: Lavender is a perennial herb that forms a gentle mound of soft, blue-gray foliage crowned with lavender blossoms. This creates an alluring backdrop that complements Dianthus chinensis.
- Roses: Roses blend well with cottage gardens and are perfect companions for Dianthus chinensis. Planting Dianthus beneath rose bushes creates a burst of color in your garden landscape.
- Salvia: These flowers come in shades of pink, purple, and blue, with heights ranging from 12 to 24 inches, and form an amazing contrast with Dianthus chinensis.
- Russian Sage: The Russian sage is admired for its fragrant, silvery-gray foliage, and it looks like a lavender. Plant Dianthus chinensis in front of Russian sage to create an enchanting garden display.
- Daisies: Daisies and Chinese pinks often bloom at the same time. If you choose pure white daisies to pair with your Chinese pinks, this creates an eye-catching and striking contrast that makes the colors of your Dianthus blooms stand out.
- Geranium: Geraniums offer vibrant blossoms and eye-catching foliage that perfectly contrast with Dianthus chinensis.
How to Propagate Dianthus Chinensis
To propagate Chinese pinks using stem cuttings, here’s what to do:
- Begin by carefully cutting away non-flowering stems from the parent plant just below a leaf joint.
- Trim off the lower leaves and leave 4–5 sets of leaves at the upper end of the stem.
- Dip the base of each stem into hormone rooting powder.
- Plant them around the perimeter of a container filled with light potting soil.
- Water and enclose them in a plastic bag, securing the top with a twist tie.
- Place the cuttings in a sheltered spot in the garden where they can receive morning sunlight away from the hot afternoon sun.
Over the course of approximately 4–5 weeks, these stem cuttings should develop roots. When this happens, carefully separate the cuttings from the soil ball and place them into individual containers.
In the winter months, provide them shelter away from frost and freezing temperatures. You can finally plant them when the spring arrives and the soil warms up.
Addressing Common Issues of Dianthus Chinensis
- Rust and crown rot: Dianthus chinensis are vulnerable to rust and crown rot, especially when they are planted in soil with poor drainage.
To prevent rust, make sure that the soil you use has proper drainage, remove brown or rusty foliage, and treat them with copper oxychloride.
- Mildew: Powdery mildew may also appear on leaves when they are planted in humid areas. In such cases, it’s advisable to treat them with benomyl fungicide.
- Snails and Slugs: Additionally, watch out for snails and slugs when you plant Dianthus chinensis in shady areas. You can use a snail or slug bait to prevent them from pestering your plants.
- Drooping leaves: It’s also worth noting that while Chinese pinks can tolerate occasional dry conditions, drooping leaves may appear as a sign of underwatering.
On the other hand, overwatering or excessive shade exposure may lead to them becoming tall but with few leaves.
