Growing Dianthus (Garden Pink)

Pronunciation: dye-an'thus    

Most varieties require full sun (partial shade in warm inland areas of the West). D. deltoides varieties tolerate partial shade. All require well-drained soil with a pH close to neutral. Add a handful of lime when planting if your soil is excessively acid. Keep mulch well away from crown. Shear back flower stems after the first wave of bloom to encourage repeat bloom (rebloom is not dependable in the South). Most varieties are evergreen; do not cut back in fall. Prune away winterkill stems in spring.