Dianthus chinensis

Genus: Dianthus - Species: chinensis - Family: Caryophyllaceae

Phonetic Spelling: dy-AN-thus chi-NEN-sis

Common Names:

  • Chinese Pink
  • French Mignonette
  • Japanese Pink
  • Pinks
  • Rainbow Pink

China pinks are biennials or short-lived perennials which are primarily grown as annuals as they do not perform well in hot and humid summers. They grow best in average well-drained soils with dry to medium moisture, in full sun but with afternoon shade in warmer climates. This pink has an abundance of flowers that are flat, heavily fringed, and with a darker central eye.  They should be deadheaded and trimmed after periods of heavy bloom to encourage additional flowering.

Problems:

China pinks are susceptible to crown rot and rust if the soil is poorly drained, and may also be troubled by slugs and snails if grown in too much shade.

Tags

hummingbird friendly
full sun tolerant
drought tolerant
white flowers
summer flowers
butterfly friendly
partial shade tolerant
pink flowers
fall interest
border planting
bee friendly
container plant
deer resistant
herbaceous perennial
annual
mounding
poisonous
problem for cats
problem for dogs
problem for horses
houseplant
cottage garden
clumping
HS302
rabbit resistant
sandy soils tolerant
clay soils tolerant
small spaces
dry soils tolerant
Asian garden
well-drained soil
spring interest
fantz
medicinal
herb garden
edging
neutral pH
biennial
upright form
low growing
fringed flowers

Quick Facts

  • Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 6 in.
  • Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
  • USDA Zones:
    • 7a
    • 7b
    • 8a
    • 8b
    • 9a
    • 9b
    • 6a
    • 6b
  • NC Region:Not specified

  • Origin:Northern China, Korea, Mongolia, and southeastern Russia

  • Life Cycle:
    • Perennial
    • Annual
    • Biennial
  • Plant Types:
    • Perennial
    • Annual
    • Herbaceous Perennial
    • Poisonous
  • Habit:Not specified

Distribution

N/A

Uses

This plant is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a bitter tonic to stimulate the digestive and urinary systems and bowels to treat cystitis, urinary stones, and constipation. It is also used externally for skin inflammations and swellings. The plants are harvested before the flowers bloom and then dried.