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In the Pink with Dianthus:

© Gary Buckley

This is a bit of a cheating article, eighteen hour days are getting to me. Still networking with folks for an Australian Bulb Society. But I digress!

Pink's are of course Dianthus, ( Caryophyllaceae ). There is lot of confusion over this large group of plants having annuals, perennials and even small subshrubs. The ones most of us come into contact with, all come from the perennials; these are generally tufted hummock forming, or mat forming.

Folks from the northern hemisphere are better acquainted with some of the Alpine dianthus, because of various Societies, such as the Alpine Garden Society.

Because we would be looking at many hundreds of species, not to mention, this number again in cultivars and varieties; so let's just have a beginners look at the pinks.

Most Dianthus are fairly forgiving of soils, but they do prefer alkaline soils. Here in Australia, they flower from late winter and all through summer. Dianthus like a good sunny position with good drainage.

Propagation from seed is carried out at the time of their falling or in Spring if you are timing a seed order. The more vigorous ones can be divided both in spring and summer. Cuttings are best taken in mid to late summer.

All of the following are around the $2.50 mark here in Australia. If you are paying more, ask why!

Dianthus alpinus, has large pink flowers on 4cm stems in spring and summer.

Dianthus alpinus albus, same as above with good white flowers.

Dianthus arenarius is native to dry and sandy soils of Sweden and Germany, with white fragrant flowers;15cm.

Dianthus basuticus has clumps of very loose leaves which look grass like The soft pink flowers are deeply fringed and held on fine stems just above the leaves; 15cm.

Dianthus 'Cherry Queen' is often seen in nurseries, with double pink and red flowers; 30cm.

Dianthus deltoides 'Brilliant' with bright red flowers of the Maiden Pink, 30cm.

Dianthus erinaceous with it's dense mound of stiff spiny foliage. This has pink flowers during summer, 8cm.

Dianthus 'Little Rock', crimson flowers with a velvety sheen. Spring and summer; 15cm.

Dianthus 'Little Alan', white flowers, 15cm.

Dianthus 'Little Jock', with grey foliage and semi double rich pink scented flowers with a dark eye; 6cm.

Dianthus 'Mars', double deep red flowers in spring and summer; 15cm. This is a vigorous tufting blighter, watch and be aware of the spreading silvery grey leaves.

Dianthus 'Mrs Gullen', with double rose red flowers with a dark centre in spring and summer; 30cm.

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