10 November 2009
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Pinks, Dianthus

Pinks come in a wide range of colours and many have a superb scent making them ideal for cottage or rock gardens and troughs in small gardens. They're easy to grow and add a lively summer touch.

Recommended varieties

Some pinks have been grown for centuries. Plants of Dianthus plumarius were brought to Britain in the 11th century by Norman monks and can still be seen surviving on castle ruins. By the 19th century there were hundreds of varieties, one of the most famous being raised in 1868 by Mr John Thomas Sinkins, the Master of Slough Workhouse. His heavily scented double white 'Mrs Sinkins' was named after his wife and is still a big seller.

At the turn of the century, the Sussex nurseryman Montagu Allwood tried to improve the pinks' short-flowering season. He eventually hit upon a new, robust breed named D. allwoodii which repeat flowered. 'Doris' is the best known and, 50 years later, is still incredibly popular.

When deciding which ones to grow, note that they come in single colours and mixes, some of which are quite flashy, such as the yellow and red 'Bookham Fancy'.

D. 'Bat's Double Red': a good choice because its flowers last well into autumn.
D. 'Bovey Belle': bright pink flowers are held up by long stems. Makes a vigorous show with a decent scent. Has been given the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
D. 'Doris': lovely mix of pale pink with dark pink right in the centre. Awarded the AGM.
D. 'Gran's Favourite': raspberry-ripple ice-cream effect with white flowers edged with streaks of mauve; scented. Awarded the AGM.
D. 'Joy'; bright red, well held up on strong stems. Awarded the AGM.
D. 'Pike's Pink': short, 15cm (6in) high flowers that are pale pink and dark at the base, with a gentle scent. Awarded the AGM.
D. 'Sops-in-wine': highly scented white double flowers.

Growing tips

Site and soil preferences

Free-draining, preferably limy soil is absolutely essential, in full sun.

Although some dianthus species can survive in walls and rocky outcrops, most pinks need fertile soil to produce a worthwhile display.

Containers

Containers make a great short-term home for pinks, where they flower profusely for a couple of years, but they'll eventually get tired and unproductive.

'Doris' can be used effectively in window-boxes to give a cascading display.

Regular feeding over summer is essential to build up the plant for the following year's show.

Aftercare

Young plants need watering during prolonged dry spells until they're well established. After a few years, all pinks begin to look straggly and should be given a severe prune after flowering.

Encourage new growth by applying a handful of general fertiliser around the plant and a mulch of gritty compost.