Scientific Name
Dianthus barbatus L.
Common Name(s)
Sweet William, Bearded Pink
Synonym(s)
Caryophyllus barbatus, Cylichnanthus barbatus, Dianthus aggregatus, Dianthus barbatus var. barbatus, Dianthus barbatus subsp. barbatus, Dianthus corymbosus, Dianthus girardinii, Dianthus hispanicus, Dianthus latifolius, Dianthus pulcherrimus, Dianthus splendidissimus, Silene barbata, Tunica barbata
Scientific Classification
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Subfamily: Caryophylloideae
Tribe: Caryophylleae
Genus: Dianthus
Flower
Color: Red
Bloom Time: Early spring
Description
Dianthus barbatus is a herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial plant that grows up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall. Leaves are green to glaucous blue-green, tapered, up to 4 inches (10 cm) long, and up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide.
The flowers are produced at the top of the stems in a dense cluster of up to 30. They have a spicy clove-like scent. Each flower is 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter, with five petals with serrated edges. Wild plants produce red flowers with a white base, but colors in cultivars range from white, pink, red, and purple to variegated patterns. The flowers appear in early spring and last a long time.
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. 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
Dianthus barbatus is 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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