Dianthus Chinensis benefits and plant care

China pinks are among the popular houseplants that can make a perfect addition to a home garden. The plant belongs to the dianthus chinensis species, found mainly in the northern regions of China, Korea, Mongolia and southeast Russia. Dianthus is a flowering plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. The plant produces attractive white, pink, or red flowers, which create a perfect contrast, amidst the greenery in your home garden.

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Dianthus chinensis: Quick facts

Plant name	Dianthus chinensis
Common name	China pink or rainbow pink
Family	Caryophyllaceae
Found in	China, Korea, Mongolia and Russia
Flower	White, pink, or red flowers
Foliage	Slender, green to greyish-green leaves
Benefits	Used for ornamental purposes in gardens and for medicinal benefits

See also: China Doll Plant

It is a biennial or perennial plant with soft stems, growing up to a height of 30 to 50 cm.
The plant is characterised by greenish or greyish-green leaves and grow to form a bush.
The flowers are flat and heavily fringed and bloom around the spring to mid-summer months.
Dianthus chinensis grows well in a temperate climate.

Dianthus chinensis plant care

Soil: The plant requires well-drained soil for growth, containing low to medium moisture. The pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline, between 7 to slightly above 8.

Sunlight: Keep the plant exposed to full sunlight but in the shade during afternoons. It may not grow well in hot and humid weather during summers.

Pruning: Make sure to remove the dead flower heads. Trim the plant after heavy bloom to promote more flowering.

See also: Gardening ideas and tips for beginners

Dianthus chinensis: Flowering season

Dianthus chinensis plant produced flowers singly or in small clusters during spring to mid-summer months. They have a long growing season. Flowering takes place around late spring. Lighter rebloom is noticed in the summer months.

How to grow dianthus chinensis?

If you want to grow China pinks from seeds, sow the seeds outdoors after winters, preferably in April and May. Make sure to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. You can also start sowing the seeds under the shade in the late winter months. The seeds may require up to two weeks to sprout in the temperature range of around 18 to 21 degrees Celsius.

Growth expectations

Dianthus chinensis plants can grow quickly with the right growth conditions. They can reach up to a height and width of 2.5 feet.

Best companion plants for dianthus chinensis

Companion plants are those that grow in similar conditions and appear great with Dianthus chinensis plants in the garden. Here are some companion plants:

Geranium x magnificum or Purple cranesbill is a hybrid plant that produces flowers during early to mid-summer months.
Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ or Caradonna sage plant appears as tall spikes of deep purple flowers. The flowering season is from late spring to early summer.
Stachys byzantine or Lamb’s ears is known for its silvery evergreen leaves, spreading up to 3 feet.
Cenolopheum denudatum or Baltic parsley is a perennial plant, producing airy clusters of white flowers from mid-summer up to fall season. The plant reaches up to 4 feet in height.

Dianthus chinensis: Best locations to plant

Dianthus chinensis can be grown in garden, especially around the borders. This is the ideal location as they reach up to a height of 2.5 feet and have attractive flowers. They are also suitable for garden beds and containers. In warmer climates, the plant must be given adequate protection from afternoon sun.

They are suitable for various garden types, such as butterfly gardens, rock gardens, cottage gardens and drought-tolerant gardens.

Dianthus chinensis: Best time to plant

When propagating from seed indoors, sow the seeds six to eight weeks just before the last frost. Transplant the seedlings or plants outdoors, about one to two weeks.

Dianthus chinensis: Growing from seed vs nursery plants

When planting Dianthus chinensis from seed, sow them outdoors after the frost. Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil. If you sow the seeds in shelter, start around late winter months. In about one to two weeks, the seeds start sprouting at a temperature of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 18 to 21 degrees Celsius. You can transplant them outdoors later.

Dianthus chinensis: Overwintering

Dianthus chinensis plants may be annuals or biennials, based on the climate zone. To promote survival in winter, make sure to protect the plants from drying winds and freezing temperature. After flowering stops, trim the plants, removing spent flowers and around one third of the top growth. When growing the plant in containers, collect them together or place the clusters along a south-facing wall. If temperatures drop below 4 degrees Celsius, cover the plants.

Dianthus chinensis varieties

Here are some of the cultivars or varieties of dianthus chinensis:

Diamond blush pink
Diamond carmine
Diamond coral
Diamond pink
Diamond scarlet
Floral lace crimson
Floral lace lilac
Corona TM rose

Dianthus chinensis baby doll

Baby doll is another variety of dianthus chinensis, characterised by vibrant shades such as burgundy, mauve, pink, cherry and white.

See also: Top 10 low maintenance indoor plants and how to care for them

Dianthus chinensis benefits

Cultural significance

According to ancient Greek and Roman culture, the dianthus chinensis flowers were referred to as the flowers of gods. The clove-scented flower petals of dianthus chinensis were used to create wreaths and crowns and add aroma to wine, oils and water. The plants were regarded as a symbol of love and affection in Victorian times.

Ornamental plants in gardens

With their bright pink flowers, dianthus chinensis plants are popularly used as ornamental houseplants. In landscapes, these plants can be grown in containers, patios, or small areas. The flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds and songbirds.

Medicinal benefits

According to the Chinese medicine system, dianthus chinensis has been used for centuries to promote healthy digestion. It was also used for improving and stimulating the digestive system, urinary tract and bowels. The leaves of dianthus chinensis are crushed, dried, and used to improve eye health. They are also useful in treating skin irritations and swelling problems.

FAQs

How tall do dianthus plants grow?

Dianthus chinensis plants may grow up to 20 inches in height.

Are dianthus poisonous to humans?

Dianthus chinensis may be slightly poisonous to humans and cause skin irritation.

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Harini Balasubramanian

Harini is a content management professional with over 12 years of experience. She has contributed articles for various domains, including real estate, finance, health and travel insurance and e-governance. She has in-depth experience in writing well-researched articles on property trends, infrastructure, taxation, real estate projects and related topics. A Bachelor of Science with Honours in Physics, Harini prefers reading motivational books and keeping abreast of the latest developments in the real estate sector.