Dianthus

Dianthus are garden classics, appearing in many shapes and colors, most with blue/green or blue frosted quill-like foliage. Long blooming, perfect for small bouquets-most is fragrant. A cottage garden is not complete without several Dianthus. All are heat tolerant and low maintenance beauties.

The dianthus plant is also called Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) and has a fragrance with cinnamon or clove notes. The plants are small and usually between 6 and 18 inches tall. Dianthus flowers are most often in pink, salmon, red and white hues. The foliage is slender and sparsely spread on thick stems. The Dianthus genus includes annuals, biennials, and perennials that are commonly known as Carnations, Pinks, or Sweet Williams. Most garden varieties of Dianthus plants grow from 10 to 20 inches tall, however, some species can vary from 2 inches to 3 feet tall in height.