The Dianthus genus is large and varied and includes evergreen perennials, biennials and annuals. However, the most popular garden type are referred to as ‘garden pinks’. This is not because they are all pink but because the flowers have a serrated edge as if they have been trimmed with pinking shears.
Garden pinks are a reliable and easy-to-care-for addition to the garden that have been grown for centuries. They are hardy perennials with grey-green evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage and flowers in shades of pink, magenta, salmon pink and white. They have scented single or double flowers nearly all summer and most repeat flower if deadheaded. Garden pinks look good in cottage gardens and herbaceous borders. They also make good cut flowers, and have a lovely, clove-like scent.
The more compact alpine pinks are perfect for planting in pots, window boxes and hanging baskets and also look good in rockeries.
Sweet Williams (Dianthus barbatus), grown as biennials for early summer flowers, are also part of the Dianthus family.
The carnation, favoured by florists, is a relative of the pink but does not offer the clove-like scent of a pink.
Pinks double imperial mixed colors are a beautiful and versatile flower that make a wonderful addition to any garden. In this beginner’s guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing these colorful blooms.
An Overview of Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors
Pinks double imperial mixed colors, also known simply as double imperial mix, belong to the Dianthus caryophyllus species of dianthus. This variety forms a compact mound of slender, blue-green grass-like leaves. Rising above the foliage are abundant fragrant double blooms in shades of pink, red, rose, salmon, white and bicolors.
The ruffled flowers measure about 1 inch across and bloom prolifically from early summer through fall The mix contains all the colors in the dianthus spectrum, resulting in a lively rainbow of blooms The flowers have a lovely clove-like scent and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Growing Conditions for Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors
Pinks double imperial mixed colors thrive when grown in the following conditions:
- Sun Exposure: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sun daily)
- Soil: Average, well-draining garden soil
- pH: Slightly alkaline, between 6.5-7.5
- Hardiness Zone: Annual; hardy in zones 3-10
- Spacing: Plant 8-10 inches apart
These compact plants require full sun exposure and well-drained soil. Space them 8-10 inches apart to allow for good airflow. They grow best in neutral to slightly alkaline soils with a pH between 6.5-7.5.
How to Plant Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors
Pinks can be started indoors or directly sown into the garden. Here are some tips:
Starting Indoors
- Begin indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost.
- Sow seeds thinly in containers with seed starting mix.
- Cover seeds lightly, about 1/4 inch deep.
- Maintain a soil temperature of 65-70°F.
- Germination takes 10-15 days.
- Once seedlings emerge, move them to a sunny window.
- Transplant into the garden after all danger of frost has passed.
Direct Sowing
- Sow directly into garden beds after the soil has warmed in spring.
- Prepare seedbed and scatter seeds, covering lightly with 1/4 inch of soil.
- Water gently to avoid washing away seeds.
- Thin seedlings to final spacing of 8-10 inches apart.
- Direct sowing can also be done in mid to late summer for fall bloom.
Caring for Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors
Here are some tips for caring for pinks double imperial mix:
- Water regularly during dry periods, avoiding overhead watering.
- Apply a balanced flower fertilizer monthly or biweekly.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
- Mulch plants in summer to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Stake tall plants to prevent flopping in wind and rain.
- Prune leggy plants in early summer to encourage bushy growth.
- Monitor for pests like aphids, thrips and spider mites.
- Protect plants from slugs and snails.
- Fertilize lightly to promote flowering rather than leafy growth.
- Deadheading regularly extends the bloom period into fall.
Using Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors in the Garden
Pinks double imperial mixed colors are versatile plants that can be used in beds, borders, rock gardens, and containers. Other ways to use them include:
- Mass in flower beds, borders, rock gardens, and containers.
- Edge walkways, patios, and garden paths.
- Fill gaps in perennial beds and flower gardens.
- Plant in cottage gardens, cutting gardens or meadow gardens.
- Attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
- Cut blooms for summer bouquets and arrangements.
- Float blooms in glass bowls for a quick floral display.
- Craft pressed flower art, potpourri or wreaths.
- Add fragrance by steeping in carrier oils for lotions, soaps and more.
- Garnish desserts, salads, and drinks.
- Give as gifts with blooms in bud vases.
How to Propagate Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors
Pinks are short-lived plants, so propagation by cuttings can help maintain your plant collection. Here’s how to take cuttings:
- Take 6cm non-flowering shoot cuttings in summer.
- Remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone.
- Stick cuttings in potting mix, water well and cover with plastic.
- Place pot in bright area, 70-75°F is ideal.
- Roots form in 4-6 weeks. Transplant rooted cuttings to garden.
Taking cuttings from existing plants is an easy way to make more plants for free.
Common Problems and Solutions
Pinks double imperial mixed colors are relatively hardy when conditions are right, but may encounter:
- Poor flowering: Insufficient sun, overcrowding, improper pruning, overwatering, or excessive nitrogen.
- Wilting: Underwatering, fungal disease, root rot, or blossom drop.
- Leaf spots: Improve airflow and avoid wetting foliage to prevent diseases.
- Pests: Treat aphids, mites, thrips, slugs with organic sprays.
- Leggy growth: Increase sunlight, reduce nitrogen fertilization.
- Flopping: Stake tall plants to support heavy blooms.
Correct growing conditions and prompt treatment of problems will keep your pinks thriving happily in the garden.
FAQs about Growing Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Q: Are they perennials or annuals?
A: They are hardy annuals, lasting one season in most regions.
Q: How tall do they grow?
A: About 8-12 inches tall and wide. Nice compact size.
Q: How much sun do they need?
A: At least 6 hours of direct sun per day is best.
Q: Should you start them indoors or direct sow?
A: Either method works, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or direct sow in prepared beds after soil warms.
Q: How often should you water them?
A: Water thoroughly only when top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overhead watering.
Q: Should you deadhead spent blooms?
A: Yes, deadheading encourages more bloom production into fall.
Q: Are they deer resistant?
A: They have good deer resistance but hungry deer may still nibble.
Q: How late in the season will they bloom?
A: Bloom time is early summer to fall. Light frost won’t bother them.
The Cheery Color and Charm of Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors
With their slender grassy leaves, fabulous clove fragrance and fluffy double blooms in a lively mix of hues, it’s easy to see why pinks double imperial mixed colors have been cherished cottage garden flowers for centuries.
These compact, carefree annuals are perfect for beginning and expert gardeners alike. Give them full sun, well-drained soil, and regular water for nonstop color from early summer through fall. Use them in beds, borders, rock gardens, or containers.
And be sure to cut some blooms to add their beauty and nostalgic scent to summer bouquets. Grown properly, pinks double imperial mixed colors will reward you with their outstanding ornamental appeal and remain a gardening favorite for years to come.
How to propagate pinks
Dianthus are shortlived plants, so cuttings are a good way of keeping your plants going. Cuttings (known as pipings) can be taken any time from June to September. Heres our step-by-step guide:
Step 1Choose some non-flowering shoots and cut them off just above a node. Aim for a cutting thats about 6cm long.
Step 2Remove the lower leaves, then push the cuttings into a pot of pre-watered cutting compost.
Step 3Cover with a plastic bag and leave the cuttings on a sunny windowsill.
Step 4It can take between four and six weeks for cuttings to root. Once they have rooted (when you gently tug the plant, it will remain firm in the compost), plant each cutting separately into its own small pot of multipurpose compost and water in.
Step 5Grow on in a cool greenhouse or cold frame over the autumn and winter and plant out in the garden the following spring.
Where to plant pinks
Pinks are hardy and cope well in hot summers and very cold winters. They do best in a neutral or alkaline soil. Choose a position where theyre not crowded or competing with other plants. An open position is beneficial and a well-drained soil is essential.