Dianthus (Garden Pinks): Fragrant, Evergreen Perennials for Sunny, Well-Drained Sites

Quick Profile

Dianthus (dy-AN-thus) encompasses a huge group—from low mat-formers to 2-foot clumpers—all prized for spicy-clove-scented flowers and blue-green, often evergreen foliage. Most demand full sun (afternoon shade in hot western interiors) and sharply drained, neutral-to-alkaline soil.

Planting Pointers

• Work a handful of lime into acidic soils at planting.
• Set crowns exactly at soil level—never buried—to prevent rot.
• Keep mulch pulled back from the crown.

Ongoing Care

Shear spent flower stems after the first flush to encourage rebloom (less reliable in the humid South). Do not cut back evergreen foliage in fall; simply remove winter-damaged leaves in spring. D. deltoides cultivars tolerate partial shade better than most.