Zeynel Cebeci / CC BY-SA 3.0
garden
Dianthus
Dianthus sternbergii
Overview
The pinks, carnations, and sweet williams of the Dianthus genus have been cultivated since the time of the ancient Greeks, who named them dianthus — 'flower of the gods.' Their spicy-sweet clove fragrance is unmistakable, and many varieties are edible, with petals tasting of clove and nutmeg. These tough, drought-tolerant perennials and biennials are perfect for rock gardens, borders, and containers.
Growing Conditions
Hardiness Zones5 — 9
Height0.57m
Spread0.5m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuemoderate
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH6.5 — 7.5
Soil TypeWell-drained, slightly alkaline, gritty soil
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Start indoors 8 weeks early; or direct sow after last frost |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | May — Jun | Transplant after last frost; perennial types hardy to zone 3 |
| Cold (1-2) | Bloom | Jun — Aug | Summer bloom; deadhead for rebloom; spicy fragrance |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant in spring; well-drained alkaline soil; full sun |
| Cool (3-4) | Bloom | May — Jul | Late spring/summer bloom; shear back after first flush |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant in spring; clove-scented; excellent edging plant |
| Moderate (5-7) | Bloom | Apr — Jun | Spring bloom; many varieties rebloom if sheared |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Sep — Oct | Fall planting for cool-season bloom; fades in summer heat |
| Warm (8-9) | Bloom | Oct — Apr (wraps) | Fall through spring bloom; dormant in summer |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Oct — Nov | Fall planting; cool-season performer |
| Hot (10+) | Bloom | Nov — Mar (wraps) | Winter bloom; heat shuts down flowering |
Uses
Culinary
- Petals added to salads, cakes, and cocktails for clove flavor
- Historically used to flavor wine and vinegar
- Candied petals as dessert decoration
Other Uses
- Classic cottage garden and rock garden perennial
- Fragrant cut flowers with excellent vase life
- Border and edging plant with neat mounding habit
