Dianthus plants are low-growing, herbaceous perennials that are native to Europe and Asia. They have bright, colorful flowers that come in shades of pink, purple, white, and red. The flowers have a spicy scent and the foliage is usually gray-green. Dianthus plants are drought-tolerant and prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They are easy to maintain and will bloom from late spring to early fall.
Planning Your Garden With Dianthus
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Dianthus is a perennial. |
| USDA Zone | The USDA Hardiness Zone range for Dianthus is 3-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Dianthus is generally considered to be cold hardy, with most varieties able to tolerate temperatures down to 25. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest for dianthus is 60-70 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown dianthus plant is 12-18 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Dianthus plants should be spaced 8-10 inches apart in the garden. |
| Sun tolerance | Dianthus plants are generally tolerant of full sun, although they may benefit from some afternoon shade in very hot climates. |
| Shade tolerance | Dianthus is generally tolerant of both full sun and partial shade, although it may need more shade in hotter climates. |
| Water requirements | Dianthus plants require moist soil that is well-draining. They should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Dianthus plants prefer a soil pH that is slightly acidic, between 5.5 and 6.5. To ensure that they have enough water, it is best to water them deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing dianthus depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied at a rate of 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet. If you are using a slow-release fertilizer, apply it at a rate of 1-2 tablespoons per plant. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing dianthus is 6.0 to 7.0. |
Why Dianthus is Popular
People like to grow dianthus because it is easy to care for, has beautiful flowers, and is available in a wide variety of colors and sizes. It is also drought-tolerant and can be grown in containers or in the ground.
Companion Plants For Dianthus
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for dianthus include:
Common Pests For Dianthus
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow dianthus, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- snails
- thrips
- slugs
- aphids
- whiteflies
- spider mites
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
