Description
Dianthus carthusianorum | Carthusian Pink ‘Clusterhead Pink’
Pink, also known as Cottage Pinks, or Garden Pinks, are a genus of flower that includes 300 varieties grown as annuals, biennials and evergreen perennials. The perennial form here—also called Pinks—are evergreen or semi-evergreen. While many cottage pinks are in fact pink, that is not why they bear that name. The name comes from an old English word for the scissors that tailors use to serrate or zigzag the edges of fabric. “Pynken” were shears that gave fabric the same ragged or serrated edges these little flowers have. Now folks call them “pinking shears.”
Clusterhead Pink, or Carthusian Pink is a rare and reliable Dianthus variety that grows along roadsides, dry meadows, and on slopes, and is suitable for rock gardens and along paths. Blooms spring to fall with clusters of brilliant pink blooms bobbing atop strong, upright, leafless stems. All Dianthus love good drainage. Overwatering or clay soil is the kiss of death for them. Most Dianthus species have silvery-blue foliage that resembles clumps of ornamental grass that is attractive even when the plant is not in bloom. Remains evergreen in milder zones.
Plants do exceptionally well in heat and drought conditions. Easy to grow and blooms from seed the first year. More than once, if dead-headed! Dianthus ‘Clusterhead Pink’ will reward you by self sowing.
Germinates best when overwintered. Sow outdoors September through February, or start indoors. Seeds can take up to 30 days to germinate.
Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Type: Perennial
Sun exposure: Full sun to part sun
Mature height: 18-30 inches tall
Mature width: 24 inches
Hardiness zones: 5-9