Chinese Pink (Dianthus chinensis)

China pinks are among the popular houseplants that can make a perfect addition to a home garden. The plant belongs to the dianthus chinensis species, found mainly in the northern regions of China, Korea, Mongolia and southeast Russia. Dianthus is a flowering plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. The plant produces attractive white, pink, or red flowers, which create a perfect contrast, amidst the greenery in your home garden.

Common nameChinese Pink, French Mignonette, Japanese Pink, Pinks, Rainbow Pink
Botanical nameDianthus chinensis
FamilyCaryophyllaceae
Specieschinensis
OriginNorthern China, Korea, Mongolia, and southeastern Russia
Life cycleAnnual
Plant typeAnnual
Hardiness zone6, 7, 8, 9
SunlightFull Sun
MaintenanceMedium
Soil conditionClay
Soil phAlkaline
DrainageWell-Drained
Growth rateMedium
SpacingLess than 12 in.
Harvest timeFall
Flowering periodSpring
Height6 in. – 2 ft. 6 in.
Width6 in. – 2 ft. 6 in.
Flower colorPink
Leaf colorBlue
Fruit colorBlack
Stem colorGray, Silver
Fruit typeCapsule
Flower benefitFragrant
Garden styleAsian Garden
UsesContainer

I. Appearance and Characteristics

Dianthus chinensis, commonly known as rainbow pink or China pink, is a species of Dianthus native to northern China, Korea, Mongolia, and southeastern Russia.

The leaves are green to grayish green, slender, 3–5 cm long and 2–4 mm broad. The flowers are white, pink, or red, 3–4 cm diameter, produced singly or in small clusters from spring to mid summer. Several branched stems form a loose eyrie. The basal leaves are usually already withered during flowering, the leaves remain on the stem.

Chinese Pink (Dianthus chinensis)
Dianthus chinensis CC BY-SA 3.0

Growing in the form of a bush, the flowers are often together in pairs, and ornamental varieties could accommodate up to 15 flowers in a cymose inflorescence. Below the flower stand four bracts, which reach to half of the calyx; they are ciliated and point upward. The calyx forms a cylindrical, 1.5 to 2.5 cm long tube, the corolla reaches 3 to 4 cm in diameter and is serrated at the edge. The color of the petals ranges from white to pink to dark red, the middle is often pigmented darker. The capsule fruit is enclosed by the sepals. The black seeds are flattened-roundish.

It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant, both in China and elsewhere across temperate regions of the world; numerous cultivars have been selected for garden use. Over the years, many forms have been derived from selection and hybridization. Today, the efforts of breeders are aimed at creating hybrids characterized by a compact bush, early and long flowering, flowers of various shades. This makes it possible to grow plants not only at the amateur level, but also for commercial purposes.

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight

Chinese pink prefers to be planted in either full or partial sun, where it can enjoy at least 6 hours of sunshine each day. They will never flourish to their best ability in shaded areas of the garden.

Temperature

With species native to Europe, Asia, North Africa, and even the arctic regions of North America, it is easy to see why the chinese pink has become a favorite hardy plant variety. Species such as the ‘northern pink’ are even ideal for colder climates. Therefore, it is no surprise that most gardeners will be able to find a chinese pink to suit their climate thanks to their adaptability.

Watering

Chinese Pink (Dianthus chinensis)
SingleFlower (Dianthus chinensis) inspired by you CC BY-SA 2.0

Chinese pink is drought tolerant and not flood tolerant, so care needs to be taken to avoid waterlogged soil or watering too often, or it will easily lead to root rot. When the plant’s soil feels dry to the touch, add water to the soil until it is totally wet. During winter chinese pink grows slowly, and watering can be reduced accordingly. Water once every 3-4 weeks until growth returns in the spring.

Soil

Chinese pink prefers to be planted in well-drained, fertile soil. A neutral to alkaline pH soil such as chalk or loam is best for growing. The plant’s tolerance against drought makes it popular amongst beginner gardeners, as it can survive with minimal effort or strict watering regime.

However, it will not flourish under poor drainage. For this reason, it’s best to add extra drainage in the form of horticultural grit or sand to your soil if you are gardening in an area with heavy clay soil or where the water table is particularly high and the soil is likely to become wet and compacted during the winter months.

Fertilizing

To give chinese pink a strong root system and lush foliage, a diluted organic water-soluble fertilizer can be applied every half month during the season other than winter. An additional application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer can be made before flowering to promote it to produce more beautiful flowers.

Planting Instructions

Growing chinese pink is fun and easy. If you decide to grow it from seed, you can do so indoors to ensure it blooms early in the season. Kept at an ideal temperature of 16 to 21 ℃, chinese pink seeds should germinate after 10 days. Once they emerge, they should be placed in a sunny location and allowed to grow 8 to 10 cm before transplanting into larger pots.

Chinese Pink (Dianthus chinensis)
Chinesische Nelke – Dianthus chinensis prilfish CC BY 2.0

Before planting outdoors, ensure your seedlings are hardened off for up to one week by placing the pots in a sheltered outdoor location. Alternatively, you can also sow chinese pink seeds directly in the garden once there is no risk of frost. If you choose to grow chinese pink as young plugs or established plants, you can plant them directly in the garden. Chinese pink prefers well-drained soil, so to avoid water collecting around the plant base, do not plant them too deep.

Whether you choose to grow chinese pink from seed or as young plants, ensure you position them with enough room to grow. There should be no need to mulch around the plants, but an initial generous watering is required.

Pruning

Deadheading chinese pink is the ideal way to prolong the flowering season, saving nutrients for new blooms. This should be done regularly once flowers are wilt. Most varieties respond well to a good pruning after flowering. This encourages new growth and possibly a second bloom later in the season.

Propagation

For anyone planning to multiply their collection, perennial varieties can easily be divided. Alternatively, chinese pink can also be propagated via tip cuttings or layering.

Overwintering

Chinese Pink (Dianthus chinensis)
重瓣石竹 Dianthus chinensis [香港動植物公園 Hong Kong Botanical Garden] 阿橋花譜 KHQ Flower Guide CC BY-SA 2.0

Dianthus chinensis plants may be annuals or biennials, based on the climate zone. To promote survival in winter, make sure to protect the plants from drying winds and freezing temperatures. After flowering stops, trim the plants, removing spent flowers and around one third of the top growth. When growing the plant in containers, collect them together or place the clusters along a south-facing wall. If temperatures drop below 4 degrees Celsius, cover the plants.

III. Best companion plants for dianthus chinensis

Companion plants are those that grow in similar conditions and appear great with Dianthus chinensis plants in the garden. Here are some companion plants:

  • Geranium x magnificum or Purple cranesbill is a hybrid plant that produces flowers during early to mid-summer months.
  • Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ or Caradonna sage plant appears as tall spikes of deep purple flowers. The flowering season is from late spring to early summer.
  • Stachys byzantina or Lamb’s ears is known for its silvery evergreen leaves, spreading up to 3 feet.
  • Cenolopheum denudatum or Baltic parsley is a perennial plant, producing airy clusters of white flowers from mid-summer up to fall season. The plant reaches up to 4 feet in height.

IV. Uses and Benefits

  • Cultural significance

According to ancient Greek and Roman culture, the dianthus chinensis flowers were referred to as the flowers of gods. The clove-scented flower petals of dianthus chinensis were used to create wreaths and crowns and add aroma to wine, oils and water. The plants were regarded as a symbol of love and affection in Victorian times.

Chinese Pink (Dianthus chinensis)
China Pink (Dianthus chinensis) Mokkie CC BY-SA 3.0
  • Ornamental uses

With their bright pink flowers, dianthus chinensis plants are popularly used as ornamental houseplants. In landscapes, these plants can be grown in containers, patios, or small areas. The flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds and songbirds.

  • Medicinal uses

According to the Chinese medicine system, dianthus chinensis has been used for centuries to promote healthy digestion. It was also used for improving and stimulating the digestive system, urinary tract and bowels. The leaves of dianthus chinensis are crushed, dried, and used to improve eye health. They are also useful in treating skin irritations and swelling problems.

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