Dianthus: Beautiful Cut FlowersThe Dianthus genus includes species more commonly known as “carnations”, “sweet Williams”, or “pinks”. There are about 300 species in this genus, most of them perennials that are perfectly suited for the home garden. These little gems will multiply readily, are very fragrant, and make wonderful cut flowers. Many varieties will bloom from May until October. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Most species are resistant to deer and drought, and some species are also resistant to heat, insects, and disease. When planting, space dianthus 6 to 12 inches apart. Prepare the bed ahead of time to loosen the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches and then work in a layer (2-4”) of compost. Remove the dead blooms to encourage continued blooms. For beautiful flowers year after year, cut the stems back to an inch or two after the first killing front. Reapply a thin layer of compost each spring. Plants can be divided every three to four years as new growth begins in the spring. Check out the many varieties of dianthus at togogarden.com…. there is a dianthus plant for almost any garden space and region!
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