Common name: Pink, Carnation, Sweet william

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Plant type	Annual, biennial, perennial
Height	3 to 12 inches
Spread	6 to 12 inches
Habit	Spreading, bushy
Foliage	Evergreen
Growth rate	Slow
Interests	Flowers
Uses	Borders, pots and tubs, rockery, cut flower
Skill level	Beginner
Maintenance	Slight
Hardiness	3
Heat zone
Sun	Full sun
Moisture	Dry to average
Soil type	Slightly acid to slightly lime
Soil fertility	Moderate
Water consumption	Light to moderate
Site	Sheltered to exposed
Flower colour	Pink, purple, red, white
Flower season	Late spring to mid summer
Flower size	Medium
Foliage colour	Green
Fruit colour
Edible parts
Harvest time
Stems
Features	Scented flowers
Wildlife
Texture

The genus dianthus represents a number of types of plants including pinks, carnations and sweet williams. All are small plants, either perennial, biennial or annual with flat topped, pink or white flowers. Many varieties are suitable for a rock garden, others for the front of a perennial border or an annual bed. Some types are good in mixed planters.

Some types are scented and others are good as cut flowers, carnations being very popular in bouquets.

All dianthus require a well drained soil and a site in full sun. When planting perennial and rockery varieties incorporate extra grit into the soil.