Annual and biennial dianthus

RHS Genus Guide

These compact, sun-loving plants are prized for their generous flowers produced over a long period. China pinks are traditional cottage garden flowers used to fill gaps in borders, or edge paths. More modern bedding dianthus are ideal for tubs and window boxes or in bedding schemes. Sturdy sweet williams shine in many situations, make excellent cut flowers, and are often scented.

Botanical name: Dianthus

Common name: China pinks, sweet william

Appearance

Compact plants with narrow, green or greyish-tinged leaves and masses of flowers ranging through all shades of pink, red, white and mauve, often with contrasting picotee edges, flashes or central markings.

Preferences

They thrive in full sun and well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil. As short-lived plants, they need reasonably fertile soil or compost and a steady supply of moisture.

Dislikes

They will not do well in permanently wet or overly dry soils and will flower poorly, if at all, in shade.

Did you know?

Some Dianthus in this group are annuals, flowering in their first year from seed then dying; sweet williams are biennials, flowering in their second year; others are short-lived perennials but do best in their first year and are best grown as annuals.

RHS Growing Guide