Dianthus 'Pink Kisses'

Uniform plants with dense branching and plenty of fully double flowers on upright stems, Dianthus ‘Pink Kisses’ was bred for pots, but don’t let that stop you from using it in the garden too, this Dianthus can do it all!

The petals are soft pink with a deeper, magenta kiss in the centre. They have a soft, spicy fragrance and last well in a vase. They are even self cleaning. They might be short lived perennials, but you will get great value from them in terms of display. In very cold climates, without protection they should be treated as annuals.

Dianthus are renowned for their extensive flowering season, ease of care and durability. Plant them in beds, along pathways, underneath roses, in pots or rockeries. The mounding foliage forms tidy, dense clumps which are inundated with blooms.

Grow in moderately fertile to humus rich, well drained soil. Plant in a sunny spot, with some protection from the hot afternoon sun. Water in well, it takes the plants around four weeks for the roots to penetrate the surrounding soil, then once they are established they become dry tolerant.

A light prune after flowering will promote healthy growth and perennial propensities and they can be divided the following spring. Add plenty of fertiliser during the flowering season for best blooms. Cut back to half in autumn, after the flowering has finished.

The botanical name Dianthus is from the Greek; Dios for god and anthos for flower, God’s Flower, and they were dedicated to Aphrodite.