It’s time for another Plant of the Week. Dianthus is a genus of many species of mostly herbaceous, flowering perennials. Many types of dianthus are popular annuals in Louisiana’s cool season gardens. Two species have even been named Louisiana Super Plants: Jolt dianthus in 2019 and Amazon dianthus in 2010.
Dianthus flowers have five petals, a somewhat spicy smell, and bright, eye-catching colors. They come in shades of pink, yellow, red, white, and purple. Over the years, they’ve gone by many names, such as gillyflowers, pheasants’ ear, and pinks.
These vibrant plants are a favorite for a number of reasons, including their hardiness, long bloom season, and attractiveness to pollinators like bees and butterflies.
When planting dianthus, keep in mind that they require full sun, well-draining soil, and proper air circulation. Plant in the fall and apply a slow release fertilizer. In Louisiana, they bloom from fall to late spring, typically fading in the summer heat. If you’re interested in long-lasting variety, the Jolt series is more heat tolerant than others.
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