I. Appearance and Characteristics
Dianthus plumarius, also known as the common pink, garden pink, wild pink or simply pink, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. This species is native to Austria, Croatia, and Slovenia, and naturalized in Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
While the origin of the name “pink” is uncertain, within two decades of its 1570 appearance in the written record, that flower’s name was being used to refer to the pastel red known as pink in English today. Whether the pinking shear shares a common origin, or is named after the flower, is uncertain.
Dianthus plumarius is a compact evergreen perennial reaching on average 30–60 centimeters (12–24 in) in height. The stem is green, erect, glabrous and branched on the top. The leaves are opposite, simple, linear and sessile, more or less erect and flexuous, with a sheath embracing the stem. They are about 3 millimeters (0.12 in) wide and about 10 centimeters (3.9 in) long. The calyx is a green cylindrical tube about 2 centimeters (0.79 in) long, with reddish teeth.
The flowers are radially symmetric, hermaphrodite, gathered in scapes of 3–5 flowers, with 10 stamens. They have five pink petals, 10–15 millimeters (0.39–0.59 in) long, with fringed margins. The flowering period extends from May through August. The fruits are capsules with a few seeds.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Garden 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 garden 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 garden pink to suit their climate thanks to their adaptability.
Watering
Garden 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 garden pink grows slowly, and watering can be reduced accordingly. Water once every 3-4 weeks until growth returns in the spring.
Soil
Garden 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 garden 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.
Sowing
Direct sow the seed after the last spring frost, planting it just below the surface and compacting the soil slightly. To start the seed indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost of spring, sow just below the surface of a flat; compress the soil slightly and keep it consistently moist. Keep the temperature at 60 degrees F until germination, which should take place within 14-20 days. Thin or transplant the seedlings.
Planting Instructions
Growing garden pink is fun and easy. If you decide to grow it from seed, you can do so indoors to ensure blooms early in the season. Kept at an ideal temperature of 16 to 21 ℃, garden 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.
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 garden pink seeds directly in the garden once there is no risk of frost. If you choose to grow garden pink as young plugs or established plants, you can plant them directly in the garden. Garden 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 garden 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 garden 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, garden pink can also be propagated via tip cuttings or layering.
Transplanting
For garden pink, the perfect transplanting period lies between mid-spring and early summer, owing to ideal soil temperatures and plant growth. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil for optimal results. A friendly reminder: don’t forget to water garden pink gently after transplanting!.
Overwintering
During the winter season when the ground freezes, garden pink may benefit from a light mulch at the base. Rotted down organic material such as leaf mold or wood chippings can be used for this.
III. Uses and Benefits
Garden pink works well at the front edge of a garden border for forming a floral and attractively scented low-growing groundcover. You can also incorporate this versatile flowering plant in rock gardens, container gardens, or for cut flower beds.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
Harvesting
For fresh flowers, cut long stems of flowers that have just opened and place them in water immediately; strip the leaves that will fall below the water.
Seed saving
At the end of the season, allow the blossoms to mature and produce seed pods. The pods will turn dry and brown, splitting open on the top when ripe. Shake the pods over a container to remove the seeds, which are tiny black discs. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.
Find Where to Buy the Best Garden Pink (Dianthus plumarius)
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