Dianthus - Pinks

Dianthus belong to a family of plants that include Carnations and are known for the spicy fragrance of their blooms with hints of cinnamon or clove. Don’t assume with a common name of “pinks” that this is the only color these low to medium growers come in, as they are available in a wide range of pink, salmon, red and white with single to bi-colors included.
The foliage of Dianthus is slender and grass-like with the blooms growing on sturdy stems. The flowers can be single to semi or fully double with ruffled to serrated edges. Grow “pinks” in full to part sun in well-drained soil and they will reward you with blooms from May through October depending on the variety. Drought tolerant and attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, but resistant to deer, Dianthus make great cut and/or dried flowers.