Dianthus, Annual
Dianthus
Dianthus, Annual Plant Features
Jumpstart the color show in your early-spring garden with a generous helping of annual dianthus. These cheery, fragrant annuals come in shades of pink, rose, white, lavender and bi-colors. As an extra bonus, annual dianthus has blue-green foliage that adds an extra dose of color to beds, borders, and containers. Annual dianthus is a sun worshipper that grows 6 to 12 inches tall, depending on the variety. Butterflies love the plants nectar-laden flowers.
Dianthus Questions?
Email us if you have any questions about growing dianthus in your garden.
Dianthus, Annual Growing Instructions
Annual dianthus needs a sunny spot that receives at least 6 to 8 inches of direct sun a day. Water whenever the soil feels dry to the touch and remove faded flowers as they appear to encourage more bloom. Feed annual dianthus with a little slow-release granular fertilizer at planting time.
Dianthus is not recommended for human or animal consumption.
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Light
Outside: Sun
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Colors
Pink, Red, Variegated, White
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Water
Medium water needs
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Special Features
Attracts butterflies
Colorful foliage
Deer/rabbit resistant
Fragrant flowers/foliage
Complement your Dianthus, Annual with these varieties:
Dwarf Marigold and Annual Dianthus are a stunning combination. Both of these compact annuals grow well in containers.
Annual geraniums and Annual dianthus work well together in window boxes and planters.
The gray foliage of Dusty Miller complements the blue-green color of Annual Dianthus leaves.
Varieties: Our Favorites

Dianthus 'Dash Crimson'
The sweetly fragrant, sweet William-type flowers of ‘Dash Crimson’ dianthus are a lovely addition to containers or flower borders. Growing 15 to 20 inches tall, ‘Dash Crimson’ forms ball-like, dark red flower heads throughout the spring and summer.

Dianthus ‘Dash Magician’
The changeable, perfumed flowers of ‘Dash Magician’ dianthus start out white and then gradually change to rose and pink. It’s like having three varieties on one plant! Plus it's fragrant! ‘Dash Magician’ grows 15 to 20 inches tall.

Dianthus barbatus 'Diabunda Rose'
Growing only 8 inches tall and wide, Diabunda Rose offers silvery-pink fragrant flowers in spring and early summer.

Dianthus 'Jolt Cherry'
A sweet William on steroids (but in a good way!), Jolt Cherry shows off bright pinkish-red flowers and excellent heat tolerance so it flowers longer into summer. It grows 20 inches tall and 16 inches wide.

Dianthus 'Sunflor Odessa Easy Pink'
Showing off cute, fragrant, carnation-like pink flowers and gray-green foliage, Odessa Easy Pink is a wonderful variety for easy-season color. It grows 10-12 inches tall and wide.
Early Blossoms®
Dianthus 'Sunflor Odessa Red'
Odessa Red shows off dark, crimson-red, carnation-like flowers on a tidy plant with silvery foliage. It grows 10 to 12 inches tall and wide.
Early Blossoms®
Dianthus 'Sunflor Odessa White'
Looking for fragrant, pure-white flowers in early spring? Check out Odessa White! It's a cinch to grow and loves cool weather. It reaches 10 to 12 inches tall and wide.
Early Blossoms®