Quck answer
Pruning Dianthus is essential for promoting regrowth and maintaining the health of the plant. Here are some key steps to follow:
1. Timing: Prune Dianthus in early spring or after the blooming season to avoid interfering with flower production.
2. Tools: Use sharp and clean pruning shears to prevent damage and disease transmission.
3. Deadheading: Remove spent flowers by cutting the stem just above a leaf node. This encourages the plant to produce more blooms.
4. Thinning: Remove overcrowded or weak stems to improve air circulation and prevent diseases.
5. Shaping: Trim the overall shape of the plant by cutting back long or unruly branches. Aim for a compact and balanced appearance.
6. Maintenance: Regularly remove any dead, damaged, or diseased foliage to maintain plant vigor.
Remember to water and fertilize the Dianthus after pruning to support regrowth and ensure healthy development.
Dianthus (Dianthus spp.) is a collection of plants that include annuals, biennials, and short-lived perennials in the carnation or pink family (Caryophyllaceae) and can thrive in different U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones, depending on the species. With over 27,000 registered dianthus varieties and approximately 340 species, they are known for their fragrance and long blooming period. Similar to other flower species, deadheading and pruning are essential for encouraging extended blooming and new growth.
Popular Dianthus Varieties
There are several well-known dianthus varieties that are commonly grown in cottage and informal gardens, such as carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus), China pinks (Dianthus chinensis), cottage pinks (Dianthus plumarius), and sweet Williams (Dianthus barbatus). Carnations can grow up to 36 inches tall in USDA zones 5 through 9, depending on the cultivar. China pinks, on the other hand, form 3- to 4-inch-tall mounds with flowers that rise above the foliage on 6- to 10-inch stems. They are often grown as annuals, but can withstand USDA zones 7 through 10.
Sweet William cultivars create 12- to 24-inch-tall mounds and produce clusters of white, pink, salmon, red, or bicolor flowers, while cottage pinks have pale pink blossoms that grow amidst the 12- to 15-inch-tall leaves. Both species thrive in USDA zones 3 through 9.
In general, dianthus plants form clumping mounds with narrow green, blue-green, or silver-green leaves and flowers that rise above the foliage. Almost all dianthus flowers have a spicy fragrance, and their petals can be used for making cordials, syrups, and vinegars.
Planting Dianthus in the Garden
In spring, prepare a sunny and well-drained garden bed by incorporating 2 to 4 inches of compost. Scatter the seeds, cover them with 1/8 inch of moist soil, and gently press them down. If you start the seeds indoors in peat pots eight weeks before the last frost date or plant them outside in early spring, biennial and perennial species may bloom late in the season, but typically they will start flowering the following year. The seeds usually germinate within two to three weeks, so keep the soil or potting mix lightly moist until the seedlings emerge.
You can also divide existing plants in early spring before new growth begins. Dividing clumps that are not producing as many flowers is one way to rejuvenate the plants. Replant them in freshly amended and well-drained locations or flowerpots at the same depth as before. Space the transplants according to their mature size, with distances ranging from 6 to 24 inches apart.
Taking Care of Dianthus
Water the plants when the soil is dry to a depth of 1 inch, using a soaker hose or hose end bubbler to avoid wetting the foliage. Adding a layer of gravel mulch around the plants can help keep the leaves off the soil and prevent crown rot. Once new growth appears in spring, apply a shovelful of compost over the mulch or scatter a slow-release flower fertilizer around the plants, making sure to avoid the crown. Water thoroughly after fertilizing.
Potted dianthus should be watered more frequently during hot weather and fertilized with a half-strength liquid fertilizer every two weeks. In the middle to late summer, dianthus may need some afternoon shade to protect them from the intense sun. Move potted plants into dappled shade or create light shade by using an old bed sheet or shade cloth supported by stakes.
Removing Spent Flowers and Trimming
Wear protective clothing like long sleeves, safety goggles, and gloves to shield your skin and eyes. Dianthus can cause a rash in sensitive individuals. Keep the plants and trimmings away from children and pets, as the leaves can cause stomach discomfort if ingested. Before you start pruning or removing spent flowers, sanitize your cutting tools by soaking the blades in one of the following solutions for at least five minutes to prevent the spread of diseases from one plant to another: undiluted Lysol, a mixture of equal parts water and 70 percent rubbing alcohol, or a mixture of 1 part Pine-Sol and 3 parts water. Let your tools air-dry or rinse them with clean water before using them.
Remove fading flowers before they start producing seeds. This will encourage the plant to produce more flower buds. Wait for the weather to cool down before allowing the last flowers of the season to produce seeds. You can leave the seeds for natural reseeding in the garden or collect them to plant in the spring.
If your dianthus starts to look untidy with thin, excessively tall stems, trim the plants by up to one-third to promote dense new foliage. Lightly fertilize with a liquid 20-10-20 fertilizer to support the growth of new leaves.
