Dianthus chinensis Seeds | Chinese Pink
LATIN NAME: Dianthus chinensis
COMMON NAME: Chinese Pink
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Chinese Pink, Dianthus chinensis is a compact, tufted perennial in the carnation family, native to northern China, korea, mongolia, and southeastern russia. Flowers open in generous succession, and plant grows quickly from the seed. It stands cool weather and light frosts well, and it likes sun, and moist, well-drained soil. All of this makes Chinese Pink a satisfying plant to grow and to get to know.
Science & Biotechnology
Like other members of the carnation family, Dianthus chinensis draws steady attention from botanists and plant breeders, who value the genus both as a subject of research and as a source of garden-worthy material. Fringed petals of the Chinese pink give it a long place in research on hardy bedding perennials of carnation family, and chinensis species appears in studies of flower pigments and cool-summer bloom. From a research perspective, species of this kind are valuable material for work on propagation and on the selection of uniform lines.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Chinese Pink has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. In sunny border, bed and rock garden, the Chinese pink fringes border with lacy, scented blooms. Flowers open for butterflies, clumps edge paths for generations, and plant makes fine cut flower. It grows well in moist, well-drained, sunny ground. Getting it going is easy; keeping it going is easier still.
Pinks and carnations are cutting-flower royalty; in Chinese medicine the related Qu Mai is a classical diuretic herb, and the petals of scented types are a traditional edible garnish.
Growing from Seed
Chinese Pink is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Few garden plants carry such a documented history of use as this one does. Being a compact, tufted perennial, it asks for a permanent spot and repays it yearly. It is generous with beginners and their occasional misjudgements.
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