
Plant Category: Perennial Dianthus are often evergreen or semi-evergreen. Foliage: Dark green foliage that stays evergreen throughout the winter months in most areas. Will dianthus live through the winter? Dianthus. Chilly weather won’t stop annual dianthus from putting on a non-stop show of color.
Full Answer
Can you plant Dianthus in the winter?
In Mediterranean climates, winter gardens aren't as dull as they can be in much of the U.S. The pink, white and red blooms of dianthus (Dianthus spp.) – available in annual, biennial and perennial varieties – can add color from fall through spring and beyond.
Does Dianthus come in different colors?
Dianthus. Depending on the type of dianthus pink, flowers appear in spring or summer and tend to be white, pink, red, rose, or lavender, but come in nearly all shades except true blue. Dianthus plants range from tiny creeping groundcovers to 30-inch-tall cut flowers, which are a favorite with florists.
What happens to Dianthus after it blooms?
If biennial types are blooming, this will most likely be their last year. If you leave some of the spent blooms on the plant, they will most likely seed around your garden so that you still have plants next year. The most common dianthus is the carnation.
How much sun does a Dianthus need?
Dianthus bloom best with at least six hours of full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Spring to early summer; some rebloom intermittently or continuously through summer and fall.

Will dianthus last through winter?
Dianthus. Chilly weather won't stop annual dianthus from putting on a non-stop show of color. These charming little plants are tougher than they look, able to keep blooming even after a light frost.
Is dianthus an evergreen?
Dianthus Firewitch is a great Garden Pink with strongly fragrant rose-pink flowers and attractive gray-blue evergreen foliage. The 2005 Perennial Plant Assoc. Plant of the Year. Drought resistant/drought tolerant perennial plant (xeric)....Video.SKUHC014532Planting TimeSpring / Summer, FallShips To CanadaNo16 more rows
Is dianthus a winter flower?
In Mediterranean climates, winter gardens aren't as dull as they can be in much of the U.S. The pink, white and red blooms of dianthus (Dianthus spp.) – available in annual, biennial and perennial varieties – can add color from fall through spring and beyond.
Will frost hurt dianthus?
The flowers can withstand down to 25 degrees if not for an extended period. Coneflower blooms are likely to survive a frost. Dianthus (pinks) blooms will survive frost.
What do you do with Dianthus in the winter?
Dianthus are very hardy plants that can tolerate temperatures down to -20c. However, they must avoid wet winter soil as this may cause their roots to rot away. To an extent, they are drought tolerant plants but to maximise flowering they do need watering and feeding regularly.
How many years do Dianthus last?
Annuals only live for one growing season. However, many Dianthus varieties reseed themselves every year. That means that they regrow spring after spring.
How do I know if my dianthus is perennial or annual?
If you're wondering whether dianthus are annual or perennial, the genus Dianthus has species that are both annual and perennial-and also biennial....Types:Pinks are perennial forms. ... Sweet William is a short-lived perennial most often grown as a biennial or annual.Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus.)
Do dianthus need to be cut back?
Prune back the dianthus in fall, when the plants begin to die back naturally. Cut each plant down to within 1 to 2 inches of the soil and dispose of the removed foliage.
Should you deadhead dianthus?
It is especially important to deadhead annual dianthus, to prevent the plant from producing seeds and spreading. If you want to collect seeds to grow more plants, or if you want the plant to spread naturally in the garden, then do not deadhead.
Do you cut back dianthus for winter?
Dianthus is easy to care for in the winter as they really do not require much care. Simply cut your plants back to ground. Remove any dead stems or damaged parts of the plant. Cover with a thick layer of insulating mulch.
What is the lowest temperature dianthus can tolerate?
Temperature and Humidity These plants can tolerate a light frost but don't like a deep freeze. If temperatures will be dipping below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, cover plants with a frost blanket to protect them. The flowers can also go dormant in consistently hot summer temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
What kills dianthus?
Bacterial wilt causes sudden wilting of the above ground plant parts and watering does not help. Calyx rot starts at the tip of the flowers and gradually engulfs the blossom. Fusarium wilt produces yellow wilted branches, which eventually kill the plants.
Is dianthus a perennial or annual?
If you're wondering whether dianthus are annual or perennial, the genus Dianthus has species that are both annual and perennial-and also biennial. Here are some of the common names you may have heard associated with the genus. Pinks are perennial forms. They are evergreen or semi-evergreen.
Does a dianthus spread?
Dianthus plants come in all shapes and sizes. Miniature varieties form a tight little lump of foliage and blooms. Giant species reaching up to 3 feet tall have almost no basal foliage. These plants are typically mat-forming perennials that have very tight-knit spreads of foliage.
Should you deadhead dianthus?
It is especially important to deadhead annual dianthus, to prevent the plant from producing seeds and spreading. If you want to collect seeds to grow more plants, or if you want the plant to spread naturally in the garden, then do not deadhead.
Where does dianthus grow best?
Pinks grow best in full sun, in well drained soil.
How to encourage dianthus to bloom?
Still, you can encourage the best flowering by protecting the plants from the drying winds and colder temperatures in winter. Trim dianthus plants back after they flower, especially biennial varieties, removing the old flowers and one-third of the top growth.
When do dianthus blooms bloom?
The pink, white and red blooms of dianthus (Dianthus spp.) – available in annual, biennial and perennial varieties – can add color from fall through spring and beyond. While the temperatures from late fall through early spring may occasionally dip below freezing, most dianthus varieties can take the cold, even dianthus in containers.
How to protect China pinks from frost?
The extra protection of a frost blanket on nights below 40 F may be necessary for China pinks. Remove the covering during the day.
Why do plants grow in containers?
Because the air circulates all the way around a pot and the soil within a container is lighter than garden soil with less of an insulating quality, plant roots are exposed to more cold when they grow in containers. This is the reason that planting in a container makes a plant two zones less hardy than it would be in the ground.
Is dianthus hardy in winter?
Still, you can encourage the best flowering by protecting the plants from the drying winds and colder temperatures in winter.
Can dianthus go dormant?
Prune back your dianthus plants, shearing off faded flowers and all frost-damaged foliage. Remove any covering and move the pots away from protective walls to their positions in partial shade to full sun. The plants can go dormant in full sun in hot summer temperatures.
Why do dianthus blooms rot?
If the base of the plant stays too moist, the crown can rot. Taller forms, like carnations, also need full sun to prevent them from flopping over. However, even in full sun, some of the tall types may need additional support. Removing old blooms on all types of dianthus encourages reblooming.
How tall does a dianthus plant get?
Dianthus plants come in all shapes and sizes, including miniature varieties that form a tight little lump of foliage and blooms, and giant species reaching up to 3 feet tall with almost no basal foliage. These plants are typically mat-forming perennials that form very tight-knit spreads of foliage.
How did Dianthus get its name?
Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Spotty' gets its name from its charming spotted flowers, which are dark pink spotted with lighter pink.
What is the quintessential cottage flower?
Di anthus. The dianthus plant is the quintessential cottage flower. Dianthus, also called pinks, is treasured for its grasslike, blue-green foliage and abundant starry flowers, which are often spicily fragrant.
What is the oldest cut flower?
The most common dianthus is the carnation. Carnations are one of the oldest cut flowers, with their documented use reaching back as far as 2,000 years ago. With the continued breeding and improvements made to this flower today, there are a wide variety of colors and sizes available, although much of the scent that used to be so potent in dianthus has been bred away.
When does Dianthus gratianopolitanus bloom?
Magenta pink flowers rise several inches above the blue-green foliage in mid- to late spring.
When does Firewitch bloom?
The major flush of bloom is in midspring to early summer, but the plant blooms sporadically in late summer and fall. It is hardy in Zones 3-8.
How much sun does a dianthus need?
Dianthus bloom best with at least six hours of full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.
What to plant in a balcony?
Dress up an entryway or balcony with a decorative container and plant with dianthus in varying colors, or with annuals such as sweet alyssum, lobelia, and dusty miller for months of continuous color.
Why do carnations need staking?
Staking: Carnation types with long stems may need staking to keep them from falling over. Diseases and pests: Dianthus are free of most pests and diseases when healthy and planted in the ideal site. Overwatering or heavy mulch can cause crown rot. Poor drainage can result in stem or root rot.
What is a dianthus plant?
A welcome sight in the garden come spring, dianthus are admired for their spicy clove-scented flowers and cottage-style appeal. This low-maintenance plant blooms in nearly every color, from white to almost black. Plants come in a range of shapes and sizes, from low, mat-forming groundcovers to upright varieties 3 feet tall.
How big do carnations get?
Carnations are a favorite of florists for their long stems and extended bloom time. Height/Spread: 4 to 36 inches tall, 4 to 24 inches wide. Exposure: Dianthus bloom best with at least six hours of full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Bloom time:
How to keep perennials from rot?
For established perennials, apply a thin layer of compost in spring and sidedress with a well-balanced fertilizer according to instructions. Avoid organic mulch, as it can contribute to rot or fungal problems, instead using gravel or stone chips to suppress weeds. For biennials or annuals, apply a liquid fertilizer monthly during bloom time.
What do semi double frilly flowers add to a garden?
Semi-double frilly flowers add sweet fragrance and bright color to containers and rock gardens, or along pathways and borders.
Dianthus - how cold hardy?
I just planted some Dianthus in my window boxes and now we are about to have temps in the upper 20's at night. Will the Dianthus tolerate that kind of cold? Should only be for a night or two...
Comments (22)
I had mine growing outside all summer -- as it has started to warm up some it's taken off ... it is a TOUGH plant.
What is honeywort hardiness zone?
Hardiness zones: 7-10. Honeywort is also known as a blue shrimp plant, which is native to the Mediterranean region. It is drought-resistant, thriving on neglect. The leaves of honeywort plants become deep blue when the outside temperature gets colder.
What is the best winter garden plant?
Colorado blue spruce is one of the best winter garden plants that look beautiful wrapped in snow. It presents a unique, silver blue-green color all year round and grows in a pyramidical shape. It’s a perfect conifer for large backyards and open landscapes. Apart from that, you can grow the dwarf form of blue spruce in small gardens, patios, and terraces.
How much sunlight does a blue spruce need?
Blue spruce requires a large area and at least six hours of direct sunlight.
What is the best zone for Partridge Berry?
Hardiness zones: 3-8. Partridge berry is a low maintenance showy plant, ideal for your winter garden. It produces white fragrant flowers with attractive foliage and scarlet berries. You can grow them around ponds, under trees, or as a ground cover.
What plants will stay green in the winter?
1. Wintergreen Boxwood (Buxus sinica)
Where did the smaragd tree originate?
Also known as ‘Smaragd’ in the Danish language (which means emerald), this cultivar was originally evolved in Denmark. It is a semi-dwarf variety, with a narrow pyramid structure that maintains the vibrant green color of its foliage in winters as well. You can grow this arborvitae variety as a barrier or hedge plant.
When do sweet alyssums bloom?
Sweet alyssum is a cool-season flower that can be grown during fall and winter in frost-free climates. It produces tiny fragrant flowers with black or red berries. Some of the varieties die out in the heat but flower again in the fall. If you are searching for plants that stay green in winters, you must pick this!

Symptoms
Uses
Environment
Culture
- Removing old blooms on all types of dianthus encourages reblooming. Depending on what type you have, make sure you are familiar with whether the plant is a true perennial or a biennial. If biennial types are blooming, this will most likely be their last year. If you leave some of the spent blooms on the plant, they will most likely seed around your garden so that you still have plants n…
Examples
- Another common dianthus is Sweet William. Sweet Williams are dianthus that bear their flowers in clusters at the tips of the stems. These flowers often have patterns or circles of many colors on their petals creating quite a stunning effect. In the garden, these plants tend to be either biennial or short-lived perennials.
Cultivation
- Dianthus chinensis is most often grown as a cool-season annual flower, although it can be a short-lived perennial in Zones 5 and warmer. Its common name comes not from the pink color of its flowers, but rather from the jagged edge of the flower petals, which look as though they have been cut with a pinking shear. Dianthus 'Grans' Favorite' is an old-fashioned scented pink with d…
Description
- Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'La Bourboule Pink' forms a compact mound of foliage no more than an inch or two tall. Magenta pink flowers rise several inches above the blue-green foliage in mid- to late spring. Dianthus 'Musgrave's Pink', also known as Charles Musgrave dianthus, has fragrant, frilly white blooms with a green eye. It has gray-green gra...
Overview
- Dianthus plumarius 'Rose de Mai', also sometimes called gillyflower, is an old-fashioned flower with highly fragrant pale pink blooms in midspring to early summer. It is hardy in Zones 4-10.
Appearance
- Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Spotty' gets its name from its charming spotted flowers, which are dark pink spotted with lighter pink.