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 an 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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
China Pink is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune China Pink after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair China Pink with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying China Pink
Plant Sale lists China Pink as seed. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the China Pink seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.