did you know?

Because so many bear flowers in shades of pink, one might assume they got their common name from their color. Wrong. In fact, the color pink received its name from the flower. Some authorities assert the common name was derived from dianthus's fringed petals, which look as if they've been trimmed with pinking shears.

general maintenance:

Shear back after flowering to encourage rebloom in northern climates. Deadhead spent flowers. Remove old foliage after frost or before growth resumes in spring.

pests/diseases:

Fungal diseases that cause slugs, sowbugs, grasshoppers, and crown rot may occur.

controls:

Handpick slugs, sowbugs, and grasshoppers from foliage, or spread diatomaceous earth around plants. To control crown rot, remove infected plants, increase drainage, and reduce watering. Keep mulch away from plant base, and divide plants regularly.

how to sow/plant:

Start with new plants or rooted cuttings. Choose a very well-drained site in full sun. Set plants at the same depth they were in pot, spacing them 12 inches apart. Mulch with stone, gravel, or sand, as organic mulches may encourage crown rot.

water and fertilize:

Maintain uniform soil moisture all season, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Feed with a balanced fertilizer after flowering, following label directions.

garden hint:

Beyond their unwavering need for very well-drained soil, pinks are quite easy to grow. And they can be easily propagated from cuttings, which is good news because they tend to be short-lived plants.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Drought Tolerant
• Fragrant

garden uses:

• Containers (alone in small pots, as an accent in large pots)
• Edging
• Flowerbed borders
• Ground Cover
• Rock Garden

other uses:

• Culinary/Edible (candy flowers or add petals to salads)
• Cut Flower

combine with:

opium poppy stonecrop ( 'Carnea'), and lamb's ears ( 'Helene von Stein').