Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
8 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Low to moderate
Lifespan
Short-lived perennial
Native To
Hybrid origin
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Dianthus, commonly known as Pinks, are cherished for their mounding or mat-forming habit of grassy, often blue-green foliage. Their flowers are typically fringed or serrated and carry a distinctive spicy, clove-like fragrance. 'Kahori' is a compact, mat-forming hybrid prized for its exceptionally long bloom time and profusion of vibrant, magenta-pink flowers. It offers a light, sweet-spicy fragrance and reblooms reliably if deadheaded.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a site that receives at least six hours of direct sun.
- Prepare the soil, ensuring it is loose and drains quickly.
- Amend soil with compost and a sprinkle of lime if acidic.
- Set plants at the same depth they were in their pots.
- Space plants about 10-12 inches apart to allow for air circulation.
- Water well after planting and mulch with gravel or stone chips.
Pro Tip
Ensure sharp drainage and slightly alkaline soil for best performance; add lime if your soil is acidic.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide excellent drainage; they hate wet feet.
- Deadhead or shear spent flowers promptly to promote rebloom.
- Mulch with gravel to keep crowns dry and prevent rot.
- Divide every 2-3 years to maintain vigor.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy, wet clay soil.
- Avoid organic mulches like wood chips that hold moisture against the crown.
- Don't overwater, especially in winter.
- Avoid planting in shady locations, which leads to leggy growth and poor flowering.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Pink questions
What zones can Pink grow in?
Pink is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Pink deer resistant?
Yes — Pink is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Pink bloom?
Pink typically blooms in late spring through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Pink need full sun?
Pink does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Pink drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Pink handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Dianthus to compare
Hardy Carnation
Dianthus caryophyllus 'Hardy Mixed'
Cherry Vanilla Dianthus
Dianthus dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla'
Paint 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'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Pink with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
