Common Name: Chinese Pinks

Scientific Name: Dianthus chinensis

Chinese Pinks - Mounding Growth Habit

Physiological Growth Cycle: Perennial         USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10

Dicot

Size:

• 6" to 12" height

Growth Habit:

• Dense
• Mounding

Chinese Pinks Lanceolate Leaf

Foliage:

• Opposite arrangement
• Lanceolate
• Variable color
  • pale, mid-green to blue-gray
• Ciliate margins
• 1" to 3" long by 1/4" wide

Chinese Pinks Toothed Petals

Inflorescence:

• Slightly fragrant
• Toothed or fringed petals at upper margin
• Borne in clusters of up to 15 flowers
• 1/2" to 1" diameter
• Red, pink, purple, white, and bi-color
• Blooming slows in high heat

Use:

• Edging
• Mass planting
• Container plant

Problems: 

• Relatively pest free
• Leaf spot in high humidity
• Spidermites in dryer climates

Culture:

• Sun to partial shade

Propagation:

• Tip cuttings taken and rooted in early summer to produce next year's plants
• Layering
• Division
• Seed

Notes:

• Frost tender perennial; can survive mild winters but usually treated as an annual
• Origin of scientific name:
  • Dianthus: divine flower
  • chinensis: of or from China
• Many varieties and colors are available
  • The genus, Dianthus, contains over 300 species of annuals and perennials