Dianthus—or carnations and pinks, as most of us call them—are some of the most versatile plants you can add to your garden. Whether you’re planting them in a traditional flower bed or keeping them in pots on your balcony or patio, these low-maintenance beauties put on a serious show. Depending on which variety you pick, you’ll get a unique explosion of color and a bloom schedule that fits your specific garden goals.
Mix and Match Your Colors
One of the best things about carnations is the sheer variety. They come in so many different shapes and colors that it’s hard to pick just one. While you’ll most commonly see them in classic
- Red and White,
you can also find some stunning, less common shades like
- Pink,
- Purple,
- and Yellow.
Timing is Everything
It’s not just the colors that vary—the timing does, too. Some early-bird varieties start showing off their petals as early as May, while the late bloomers wait until June to join the party.
Pro Tip: Combine Varieties for a Long Season
If you want a garden that stays colorful for as long as possible, try mixing different species. By combining plants with staggered bloom times and contrasting colors, you’ll create a vibrant “sea of flowers” that lasts all season long.
How to Get a Second Round of Blooms
Did you know you can actually trick some carnations into blooming twice in one year? It’s a process called “remontant” pruning. Once the first round of flowers starts to fade, you’ll want to deadhead those spent blooms right away. Just make sure you leave the green foliage alone!
After you’ve trimmed them back, give your plants a little boost with some liquid all-purpose fertilizer. This gives them the energy they need to push out that second flush of growth and flowers.
The Best Varieties for Re-Blooming
While pruning helps, it’s not a 100% guarantee—some types are just naturally more “generous” than others. If you’re looking for plants that love to re-bloom, keep an eye out for specific cultivars of Feathered Pinks (Dianthus plumarius) or Cheddar Pinks (Dianthus gratianopolitanus). Some other species are “one and done,” so choosing the right variety is key if you want that second show.
Keeping Your Cut Flowers Fresh
Carnations make fantastic cut flowers for bouquets or home decor. To make them last as long as possible in a vase, try to cut the stems when the buds are just starting to show color but aren’t fully open yet. They’ll open up beautifully within a few days of being in water.
To keep that bouquet looking fresh for a week or more, cut the stems at a slight angle and be sure to change the water every single day (or at least every other day). Your flowers will stay crisp, bright, and beautiful!
