Dianthus chinensis (Chinese Pink)

Highly popular, Dianthus chinensis (Chinese Pink) is a biennial or short-lived perennial prized for its abundance of colorful, flat, single flowers adorned with heavily fringed petals and a dark central eye. Blooming over a long period from late spring throughout summer, the flowers come in a wide array of bright colors from white to red, often in bicolor combinations. The pretty blossoms are borne on slender, branched stems and rise above a foliage of narrow, lance-shaped leaves. Chinese Pinks thrive in cool summers and dislike heat and humidity. Easy to grow, Chinese Pinks will fill your garden or containers with their vibrant colors before you know it.

• Grows up to 6-30 in. tall (15-75 cm) and 6-10 in. wide (15-25 cm). China Pinks may self-sow to produce differently colored flowers than those of their parent plant.
• Thrives in full sun in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Appreciates some afternoon shade in hot summer climates.
• Excellent choice for beds and borders, garden edging or containers.
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms. When flowering declines, trim back to promote additional bloom.
• Susceptible to crown rot and rust in poorly-drained soils. Watch for snails and slugs.
• Start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date. Plant in the ground 1-2 weeks before last frost date.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native to China