DIANTHUS IN VARIETIES

Dianthus (in Varieties)

Dianthus, often known as pinks, carnations, or sweet williams (depending on the variety), are a group of versatile, charming flowering plants that are cherished for their frilly, fragrant blooms and compact, mounding growth habit. Available in a wide range of colours—from classic pinks and reds to whites and purples—Dianthus varieties are ideal for borders, containers, rockeries, and cottage gardens.

Their attractive, often blue-green foliage and long-lasting flowers make them a must-have for adding texture, colour, and fragrance to any garden setting. Many varieties are excellent for cut flower arrangements and are loved by pollinators.

Planting and Ideal Conditions

To help your Dianthus thrive and perform at its best, getting the planting location and soil right is key.

• Light Requirements:

  • Dianthus prefers full sun for at least 6 hours a day.

  • Tolerates light shade, but flowering may be reduced.

• Soil Conditions:

  • Best in well-drained, moderately fertile soil.

  • Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils—raised beds or containers work well in such cases.

  • Slightly alkaline to neutral pH is ideal.

• Planting Time:

  • Plant in spring or early autumn when temperatures are milder.

  • Water thoroughly after planting to help roots establish.

• Spacing:

  • Space plants 20–30 cm apart, depending on the variety, to encourage good airflow and reduce disease risk.

• Mulching:

  • A light layer of mulch helps retain moisture and keeps weeds down but keep mulch away from the base of the plant to prevent rot.

Care, Maintenance and Seasonal Tips

Dianthus is a low-maintenance plant but benefits from regular care to promote more blooms and maintain compact growth.

• Watering:

  • Keep soil lightly moist during dry spells.

  • Avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal problems—water at the base.

• Feeding:

  • Feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser to encourage flowering.

  • Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it may promote foliage at the expense of blooms.

• Deadheading:

  • Regularly remove spent flowers to extend the flowering season.

  • Some perennial varieties may also benefit from cutting back after the first flush to encourage a second bloom.

• Pruning:

  • Trim back after flowering to keep plants neat and bushy.

  • In perennial types, cut back hard in late autumn or early spring.

• Overwintering:

  • Most varieties are hardy, but young or tender types may benefit from a light mulch or fleece in colder areas.

  • Container-grown Dianthus can be moved to a sheltered spot in winter.

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Generally trouble-free, but watch for aphids, slugs, and crown rot in poorly drained conditions.

  • Good air circulation and avoiding waterlogged soil helps prevent issues like mildew or botrytis.

Uses, Varieties, and Garden Design Tips

Dianthus varieties are diverse in form and colour, making them useful in many garden styles and designs.

• Great for Edging and Borders:

  • Perfect along pathways, edges, or raised beds.

  • Their compact form creates neat outlines in formal and informal gardens.

• Ideal for Containers:

  • Performs beautifully in pots, troughs, and hanging baskets with regular watering and feeding.

• Attracts Pollinators:

  • Bees and butterflies are drawn to the nectar-rich flowers.

• Fragrant Flowers:

  • Many varieties have a clove-like scent, adding sensory appeal near seating areas or windows.

• Popular Varieties Include:

  • Dianthus barbatus (Sweet William)

  • Dianthus chinensis (Chinese pinks)

  • Dianthus caryophyllus (Carnation)

  • Dianthus deltoides (Maiden pink)

  • Dianthus gratianopolitanus (Cheddar pink)

• Flowering Period:

  • Most bloom from late spring to early autumn, with deadheading extending the season.

Whether you’re helping customers brighten up a patio container or edge a garden path, Dianthus in its many varieties is a reliable, colourful, and easy-care choice that rewards with months of blooms and delightful fragrance.

• Size
  1.5lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.