China pink Dianthus chinensis
China pink (Dianthus chinensis) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Caryophyllaceae family, native to China, Korea, Mongolia and Siberia. It grows 20–45 cm (8–18 in) tall and 15–30 cm (6–12 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
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China pink at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Mature height | 20–45 cm (8–18 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | China, Korea, Mongolia and Siberia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China |
Is China pink toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: foliage, flowers
Dianthus (carnation family) can cause mild stomach upset and skin irritation.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with China pink
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about China pink
- How far apart should I plant China pink?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–30 cm (6–12 in).
- Does China pink need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does China pink need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is China pink?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does China pink flower?
- From about May for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is China pink poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Dianthus (carnation family) can cause mild stomach upset and skin irritation.
- What grows well with China pink?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for China pink. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Short-lived perennial often grown as an annual or biennial; flowers the first year from early sowing.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Sweet William Dianthus barbatus
- Carnation Dianthus caryophyllus
- Snow-in-summer Cerastium tomentosum
- Moss campion Silene acaulis
- Soapwort (bouncing bet) Saponaria officinalis
- Rock soapwort Saponaria ocymoides
- Creeping baby’s breath Gypsophila repens
- Maiden pink Dianthus deltoides