Maintain continuous blooming of your Dianthus: A guide to deadheading Dianthus for an abundance of flowers
In the world of gardening, few plants offer the charm and longevity of dianthus. These hardy perennials, with their delicate petals and sweet fragrance, are a favourite among gardeners for their versatility and continuous flowering potential.
With 13 years of gardening experience under her belt, Tonya Barnett has transformed her backyard into a stunning cut flower garden. She shares her journey on her YouTube channel, inspiring others to create their own floral oasis.
Among the many dianthus varieties, Perpetual dianthus (D. caryophyllus) stands out for its long-flowering doubles in vibrant colours. But for those seeking extended blooming, deadheading is key. This simple act of removing faded flowers encourages more blooms and can result in weeks of additional blooms.
Some of the best varieties for extended blooming through deadheading include 'Queen of Sheba', 'Farnham Rose', and 'Murray Douglas'. 'Queen of Sheba', a honey-scented magenta-patterned flower, has been popular since the 1600s and typically grows about 30 cm tall. 'Farnham Rose' boasts large, deep claret single flowers that retain colour as they age, while 'Murray Douglas' offers flamboyantly double, deep-pink flowers with a strong spicy scent.
Other notable varieties include 'Bath's Pink' (Cheddar Pink, Dianthus gratianopolitanus) and 'Itsaul White' (Cottage Pink, Dianthus plumarius). 'Bath's Pink' is a mat-forming plant that is drought tolerant and reblooms intermittently through summer when deadheaded. 'Itsaul White', on the other hand, produces sweet vanilla-scented pure-white flowers with rebloom potential from late spring through summer.
To maximise the bloom period, plant dianthus in full sun with good drainage. Deadhead spent flowers promptly to encourage new blooms. Select varieties noted for their floriferousness and rebloom ability, such as some modern hybrids like 'Queen of Sheba' and 'Farnham Rose'.
Dianthus plants are valued for their versatility in various gardening settings, including borders, rockeries, pots, and window boxes. They are also deer-resistant and attract pollinators. With correct watering and at least six hours of sunlight per day, these plants can bloom from early spring to late summer.
Some dianthus species only bloom once, while many varieties of pinks may rebloom into late summer and even fall. The lifespan of a dianthus flower depends on the variety and care provided. With proper care, some varieties can even bloom into the fall.
When deadheading, make cuts at a 45-degree angle using sharp pruners, snips, scissors, or secateurs to avoid damaging stems. The ideal time to deadhead a dianthus plant is when the petals begin to die back or wilt, usually in summer.
For those seeking a continuous display of colour, the Scent First series, including 'Candy Floss', 'Sugar Plum' and 'Passion', can flower from May to September with deadheading. These and other dianthus varieties can thrive in both pots and the ground, but their specific requirements should be considered.
Dianthus plants do come back every year, provided they are properly cared for. Pink and carnation varieties of dianthus are particularly popular due to their colour, fragrance, and prolonged bloom.
For those looking to expand their dianthus collection, products are available from third-party vendors on our platform Shop. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these resilient and beautiful plants are sure to bring joy to your garden for years to come.
[1] Barnett, T. (2021). [YouTube Video Title]. YouTube. [2] The Royal Horticultural Society. (2021). [Website Article Title]. The Royal Horticultural Society. [3] The Gardener's Network. (2021). [Website Article Title]. The Gardener's Network.
By incorporating various dianthus varieties, Tonya Barnett has extended the blooming season in her home-and-garden, creating a vibrant and fragrant cut flower garden. Her YouTube channel shares tips on gardening techniques such as deadheading, a crucial practice for prolonging the lifestyle of these plants.
Some of the best varieties for continuous blooming include 'Queen of Sheba', 'Farnham Rose', and 'Murray Douglas', each offering unique colours and scents over an extended period. These dianthus plants, with their deer-resistant qualities and pollinator appeal, are an excellent addition to any home-and-garden.
