Cottage pink (garden pink) Dianthus plumarius
Cottage pink (garden pink) (Dianthus plumarius) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Caryophyllaceae family, native to The eastern Alps and south-eastern central Europe. It grows 15–35 cm (6–14 in) tall and 25–40 cm (10–16 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -28 °C (-18 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Cottage pink (garden pink) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Mature height | 15–35 cm (6–14 in) |
| Mature spread | 25–40 cm (10–16 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 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 | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -28 °C (-18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 5–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | The eastern Alps and south-eastern central Europe |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Cottage pink (garden pink) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: all parts
Listed by the ASPCA for pinks and carnations: stomach upset and mild skin irritation in pets.
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 Cottage pink (garden pink)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Cottage pink (garden pink)
- How far apart should I plant Cottage pink (garden pink)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 25–40 cm (10–16 in).
- Does Cottage pink (garden pink) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Cottage pink (garden pink) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Cottage pink (garden pink)?
- It tolerates about -28 °C (-18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Cottage pink (garden pink) flower?
- From about May for 5–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Cottage pink (garden pink) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Listed by the ASPCA for pinks and carnations: stomach upset and mild skin irritation in pets.
- What grows well with Cottage pink (garden pink)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Cottage pink (garden pink). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Euro+Med PlantBase, Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin
Notes and assumptions
- Blue-grey cushions and clove-scented, fringed flowers. Parent of the old laced pinks bred by Paisley weavers and of ‘Mrs Sinkins’ (raised in Slough about 1868). Needs sharp drainage and lime; take cuttings (“pipings”) every few years.
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
- China pink Dianthus chinensis
- Snow-in-summer Cerastium tomentosum
- Moss campion Silene acaulis
- Soapwort (bouncing bet) Saponaria officinalis
- Rock soapwort Saponaria ocymoides
- Creeping baby’s breath Gypsophila repens