About the Dianthus Plant

The Dianthus plant consists of several popular flower varieties used around homes and in gardens. You may know and love one: the carnation. However, this hearty and adaptable group also includes the pink and sweet William varieties. If you are considering adding any of these Dianthus plants to your garden, be sure to learn as much about their care and planting requirements before you begin.

Carnation

This variety of Dianthus plants comes in hundreds of colors and types. They grow well in Europe due to ideal low temperatures. However, they will grow and flourish in North American greenhouses and home gardens during the fall and spring seasons. Carnations may reach heights of 10 to 36 inches. Most home gardeners space their seeds about a foot apart. This gives the plant plenty of room to bloom when mature. Use light alkaline soil that allows excessive moisture and water to easily drain.

Pink

Dianthus pinks look similar to carnations but grow from 3 inches to 3 feet tall. This variety of plants emits an attractive fragrance and grows well in slightly alkaline soils. Pinks also come in several varieties such as garden, Chinese and Maiden. The majority of pink dianthus plants survive for a number of years if the soil drains well. Gardeners must be aware of planting times. Some pinks need re-planting on a yearly basis in order to continue blooming.

Sweet William

Although native to the countries of Europe, American gardens often feature sweet William plants. They grow anywhere from 7 inches to just slightly under 1 foot. They require very little water to survive and grow steadily for two years. As a biennial plant, sweet William develops healthy leaves in the first year, followed by brightly colored flowers the second. The planting soil should be non-acidic and well drained.