Compact bedding pinks with fringed flowers, often bicoloured with a contrasting eye, blooming over a long season. Easy, tidy and reliable for borders, pots and edging.
At a glance
- Plant type: Annual
- Mature size: 25 cm H × 20 cm W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About China Pink
Dianthus chinensis is a fast-growing annual in the Caryophyllaceae family. It reaches around 25 cm tall and 20 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Pink, red and white flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow China Pink
China Pink suits cool-temperate, warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit China Pink provided drainage is reasonable. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
China Pink does best with regular, moderate watering. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth. During the first growing season, water deeply whenever the upper soil begins to dry, then reduce the frequency as roots establish.
Pruning & care
Prune China Pink after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Its ongoing care level is low maintenance.
Using China Pink in the garden
China Pink earns its place for pots and courtyard containers, a feature or specimen planting, feeding bees and pollinators and cut flowers for the vase. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate as China Pink. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying China Pink
Plant Sale lists China Pink as seed. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the China Pink seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
