Dianthus Pink Kisses

Dianthus ‘Pink Kisses’ is a charming, long-flowering perennial that brings a sweet pop of colour and a lovely light fragrance to the garden. It produces masses of pretty pink blooms, often with delicate markings, held above neat, evergreen (or semi-evergreen) grey-green foliage. Compact and tidy, it’s perfect for the front of borders, pots and containers, rockeries, and gravel gardens, and it’s also a brilliant choice for adding colour to smaller spaces.

As well as being easy to grow, Dianthus is a great plant for pollinators. Keep it deadheaded and ‘Pink Kisses’ will happily keep producing flowers for weeks on end—more “kisses”, less fuss!

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant in spring or autumn, when the soil is moist and workable. Container-grown plants can be planted at most times of year, but avoid frozen or waterlogged ground.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny position with free-draining soil. Dianthus prefers soil that doesn’t stay wet in winter, making it ideal for rockeries, gravel gardens, path edging, pots and the front of borders. A sunny spot encourages the best flowering and strongest scent.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant at the same depth as in the pot, with the crown level with the soil surface.
• Spacing: Space 25–30 cm (10–12 inches) apart to allow plants to mound out neatly.
• Soil Prep: Mix in a little grit on heavier soils to improve drainage. Avoid very rich soil—Dianthus prefers it on the leaner side.

Watering:
Water well after planting. Once established, Dianthus is fairly drought tolerant, but container plants will need more regular watering during warm, dry spells. Avoid keeping the soil constantly wet.

Aftercare Tips:

• Deadhead regularly to keep the flowers coming.
• After the main flush, give plants a light trim to keep them compact and encourage more blooms.
• In winter, ensure the plant isn’t sitting in waterlogged soil—good drainage is key.

Top Tip:
Dianthus ‘Pink Kisses’ is brilliant for pots near seating areas—you’ll get the best of the colour and the gentle fragrance right where you can enjoy it.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:
May - September (often longer with deadheading)

Height:
6–10" (15–25cm) approx.

Position:
Full sun

Hardy Perennial:
Evergreen/semi-evergreen foliage