Pink Dianthus plumarius

Water

Commonly known as the Cottage Pinks, Dianthus plumarius should be watered deeply to encourage root growth, allowing the soil to dry out on top between waterings. On average, watering once a week with approximately 1 gallon of water per plant should suffice, though this may vary depending on the climate and soil conditions. During hot or dry spells, the watering frequency may need to increase, while in cooler, wetter periods, it can decrease. Be careful not to overwater, as Cottage Pinks do not like to sit in wet soil; overwatering can lead to root rot.

Light

Cottage Pinks thrive in locations with full sun exposure for at least six to eight hours a day. Placing them in a spot that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade can help protect them from the intense heat in very hot climates. They do best in spots that are bright and sunny, as ample light is crucial for the health and vibrancy of their flowers.

Temperature

Cottage Pinks prefer moderate temperatures and will flourish when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 70°F. They can tolerate colder temperatures down to about 40°F and can generally survive brief drops to about 20°F but should be protected from prolonged exposure to such cold conditions. They do not do well in extreme heat, so during hot weather, it's essential to provide them with some afternoon shade and sufficient watering.

Pruning

Cottage Pinks benefit from pruning to promote bushy growth and greater flower production. Prune them in early spring by removing dead or damaged stems and cutting back about one-third of the plant to stimulate new growth. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, will encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. The best time for more extensive pruning is after the first flush of blooms has faded.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Cottage Pinks, commonly known as Dianthus plumarius, thrive in well-draining, sandy or loamy soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline with a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. A mixture of one-part sand or perlite, one-part garden soil, and one-part compost or well-rotted manure makes an ideal soil mix for this plant to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Repotting

Cottage Pinks, or Dianthus plumarius, should be repotted every 2-3 years. They fare well if their environment is refreshed to provide nutrients and to accommodate their growth. Repotting also helps to prevent soil compaction and to maintain the drainage that these plants require.

Humidity & Misting

Cottage Pinks, known as Dianthus plumarius, prefer average to low humidity levels. They are quite adaptable and can withstand dry conditions, but it is important to ensure that air circulation around the plant is good to prevent any disease problems that high humidity could cause.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and cooler temperatures for indoor Cottage Pinks.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and deadhead for continual blooms.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Commonly known as the Common Pink or Garden Pink, Dianthus plumarius begins its life as a seed, often sown directly in the garden in spring or early fall. Upon germination, which takes approximately 7-14 days, the plant emerges as a small seedling and soon develops a rosette of narrow, blue-green leaves. As it matures, Dianthus plumarius grows into a compact, bushy perennial reaching roughly 10-20 inches in height and producing long-lasting fragrant flowers typically in late spring to early summer. After flowering, if the blooms are not deadheaded, it can produce small capsule-like fruits that contain seeds, allowing for self-seeding and propagation. At the end of the growing season, the plant may die back, particularly in colder climates, to a woody base where it becomes dormant over the winter. In spring, the cycle continues as new foliage emerges, leading to another season of blooms.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the common Dianthus, also known as the common pink or cottage pink, is by cuttings. This practice is generally done in late spring or early summer when the plant has lots of fresh, non-flowering shoots. A gardener might select healthy stems and cut a piece about 3 to 5 inches (about 7.5 to 12.5 centimeters) long, ideally just below a node. The lower leaves are then stripped off, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. This prepared cutting is then planted in a moist, well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the node where the leaves were removed is buried, as this is where the roots will develop. The pot should then be placed in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight until the cuttings have rooted, which usually takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted to their final location.