Scientific Name
Dianthus alpinus L.
Common Name(s)
Alpine Pink
Scientific Classification
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Subfamily: Caryophylloideae
Tribe: Caryophylleae
Genus: Dianthus
Flower
Color: Deep pink to cerise
Bloom Time: June to August
Description
Dianthus alpinus is a hardy mat-forming perennial with linear to lanceolate leaves that grow up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) wide. Flowers are solitary, pale-spotted, deep pink to cerise, up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) across, and appear on stalks up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall.
How to Grow and Care for Dianthus alpinus
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 5a to 9b: from -20°F (-28.9°C) to 30°F (-1.1°C).
Plant pinks in full sun, partial shade, or anywhere they will receive at least 6 hours of sun. The plants need fertile, well-drained, alkaline soil.
Wait until the danger of frost has passed before planting Dianthus, and place them at the same level as they were in the pots, with 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45) between plants. Do not mulch around them. Water them only at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent mildew spotting.
Dianthus care is straightforward. Water the plants when dry and apply fertilizer every six to eight weeks. You may also work a slow-release fertilizer into the soil at planting, which will save you from having to feed the plants.
Some varieties of Dianthus self-seed, so deadheading is essential to reduce volunteer plants and encourage more blooms. However, perennial varieties are short-lived and should be propagated by division, tip cuttings, or even layering.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Dianthus.
Origin
This species is endemic to the Alps of eastern Austria. Native to the mountains of southern Europe from the Pyrenees east to the Carpathians and the Balkans.
Links
- Back to genus Dianthus
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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