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 up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall stalks.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 5a to 9b: from −20 °F (−28.9 °C) to 30 °F (−1.1 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Plant pinks in full sun, partial shade, or anywhere they will receive at least 6 hours of sun. The plants need fertile, well-drained soil that is alkaline.
Wait until the danger of frost has passed when planting Dianthus and place them at the same level they were growing 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.
Instructions on how to care for Dianthus are very 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 release you from the need to feed the plants.
Some varieties of Dianthus are self-sowing, so deadheading is extremely important to reduce volunteer plants and encourage additional blooming. 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 in 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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