Also known as Pinks · 3k gardener saves
Dianthus: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Dianthus, the genus most gardeners know as pinks. We track 78 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Dianthus varieties
Of 78 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedHardy Carnation
Dianthus caryophyllus 'Hardy Mixed'
#2 most savedCherry Vanilla Dianthus
Dianthus dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla'
#3 most savedPaint the Town Magenta Pinks
Dianthus x hybrida 'Paint the Town Magenta'
Chinese Pink Rockin' Red Dianthus
Dianthus chinensis 'Rockin' Red'
Maiden Pink
Dianthus deltoides
Chinese Pink Neon Star Dianthus
Dianthus chinensis 'Neon Star'
Cheddar Pinks Firewitch
Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Firewitch'
Candy Floss Maiden Pink
Dianthus deltoides 'Candy Floss'
Passion Garden Pinks
Dianthus x hybrida 'Passion'
Paint the Town Red Pinks
Dianthus caryophyllus 'Paint the Town Red'
Paint the Town Fuchsia Carnation
Dianthus caryophyllus 'Paint the Town Fuchsia'
Pink Pom Pom Chinese Pinks
Dianthus chinensis 'Pink Pom Pom'
Browse all 78 Dianthus varieties →
How to grow Dianthus
What the Dianthus varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Dianthus year
- DeadheadMay–August98% of varieties
Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering.
- DivideMarch and September73% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain plant vigor, as they can be short-lived.
- FertilizeMarch63% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
- Spring CleanupFebruary57% of varieties
Remove old or winter-damaged foliage before new growth starts.
- PruneJuly53% of varieties
Cut back flower stalks to the foliage mound after the main flush.
- MulchMarch and April35% of varieties
Apply a thin layer of mulch, keeping it away from the crown
- PlantMarch, April, September and October30% of varieties
Plant in well-drained soil in spring after frost or early fall
Do
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering 🌞
- Water at the base to avoid fungal diseases 🌱
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Dianthus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| Fungal leaf spot | Dark spots on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Fungal Leaf Spot | Dark spots on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Ensure proper drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Dianthus
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring, 2 weeks before last frost.
- Keep soil consistently moist for germination in 10-14 days.
Cuttings
- Select healthy non-flowering stems in late spring.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in moist potting mix.
- Maintain humidity and wait 4-6 weeks for roots.
Dianthus questions
How many types of Dianthus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 78 distinct Dianthus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 3k real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Dianthus grow in?
Across its varieties, Dianthus covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Dianthus bloom?
Most Dianthus varieties bloom in early summer, late spring to early summer, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Dianthus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
More on Dianthus
Dianthus shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Dianthus in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
