Delightful aromatic with masses of blooms in late spring to early summer. Low growing so ideal for borders, patio pots or flower boxes. While its hardy from zones 6-9 and will act as either a biennial or short lived perennial it can be grown in cooler zones as an annual provided it has full sunshine and some warmth. Start seeds early in zones above 6 to gain full benefit of the lovely flowers and delightful aroma. Will need full sun in most zones but could benefit from a little dappled shade in zone 8b and 9. Blooms for about a month in late spring early summer but if cut back after this may bloom again when fall/autumn rolls around. Its not drought tolerant and will need water if there is not enough rainfall or blooming may cease and plants may die. Needs well drained soil and does like a bit of organic material but once its established its takes no maintenance, except for cutting down after blooming to encourage next blooms. Deer and rabbits don't eat it but butterflies and hummingbirds love it. Ideal for boxes or borders near patios or decks as the aroma is wonderful and the butterflies add beauty.
Description of Chinese Pink (Dianthus chinensis).
Small plant with clumping nature grows about 6-12 inches (30-50cm) tall. Leaves are narrow linear to lanceolate 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6cm) long, gray-green and waxy, with an entire or finely toothed margin. They are arranged alternately on stiff erect stems but stay in small rounded clump. In mid spring to early summer it produces long stiff stems that end in much branching short stems each holding a single bloom. Flowers are flat about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4.2cm) across with a deep central core. Each flower has 4-5 fringed petals and can be pink, purple, white or red in color. commonly the fringe and the center are a different contrasting color to the rest of the petal color. Flowers occur in clusters that are constantly renewed giving the plant a fairly continuous bloom period of several weeks. The are strongly aromatic and can produce scent that reaches across the garden. In cooler areas blooms can occur in both spring and fall/autumn. Flowers are followed by small slender cylindrical seed capsules. It can behave as an annual, biennial or short lived perennial depending on location.
Growing Chinese Pink (Dianthus chinensis) from Seed.
Easy to grow. Start indoors in late winter to early spring in sterile seeding mix and only lightly cover the seeds. Use a spray bottle to moisten soil and give the seeds good contact with the medium. Place in bright light at about 59-68 F (15-20 °C ) and keep moist. Seeds usually germinate within 10 days but can take up to 28 or more depending on conditions. See our General Growing Instructions for more detailed information on starting small seeds. Grow on in small pots until around 4 inches (10cm) tall. Harden off and transplant outside after last frost. Space at about 6 inches (15cm) apart.
Location and Care of Chinese Pink (Dianthus chinensis).
Hardy from zones 6-9. However it can be grown as an annual in cooler zones as long at there is full sun and some warmth. How plant behaves will depend on its zone and location. In warmer zones it can act as a short lived perennial often remaining for 3-4 years or more. In cooler zones it will act as a biennial or even an annual if location is too cold in the winter months.
Soil. Needs a well drained soil does not tolerate waterlogged or heavy clay soils. Prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soil with some fertility. Adding some compost or other well rotted organic material will improve its performance. However too much nitrogen will make the plant lush but reduce blooming.
Light. Full sun in almost all zones although it will tolerate some shade in zones 8b-9.
Water. Will need regular water while it establishes but then its fairly drought tolerant but it will produce less flowers with little water. Regular watering will promote the best blooms.
Maintenance. Will depend on your zone. Cooler zones it is recommended to remove flowers once spent as plant may then produce another flush of flowers in fall/autumn. Where the plant overwinters trimming it back to a small clump keeps the compact habit and encourages more blooms either later that year or the next one.
Growing in pots.
Chinese pinks are ideal for pots and patio planters. They are shallow rooted so can grow in short pots as well as tall ones provide contrast to other larger plants growing in the pot and provide beauty, aroma and butterflies. Ensure the pot is well draining and water regularly. Feed once a month, cut down spent flowers to encourage fall blooming.
Pollinator and Wildlife with Chinese Pink (Dianthus chinensis).
Deer and rabbit tend to avoid it. Pollinators love the flowers but only those with long tongues like butterflies and hummingbirds who can reach into the deep tubes.It can be susceptible to aphids and slugs; powdery mildew and fusarium can occur in humid conditions
Harvesting Chinese Pink (Dianthus chinensis).
makes a good but flower. Keeps aroma well as cut bloom.
Culinary Uses
none.
Medical uses of Chinese Pink (Dianthus chinensis).
Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2000 year. Laboratory studies have confirmed it has antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant and nephroprotective effects. It is commonly used to treat the urinary systems from acute infections such as cystitis to urinary stones. post surgical urine retention, diabetic nephropathy and prostatitis. There are also report of use for uterine issues especially to help with uterine contractions. recent work is suggesting it may also have antitumor properties. Externally it has been used to treat inflammation and clearing eyesight although reports are scanty.
Other names.
Chinese pink, China pink, rainbow pink, Japanese pink, French mignonette, Indian pink, garden pink