Dianthus (Sweet William, Carnation) – Dianthus plants are popular with gardeners and have been grown for centuries. A cottage garden is not complete without several dianthus. All are heat tolerant and low maintenance beauties. Dianthus have become popular garden plants, but are also well suited as balcony or patio pot plants.
You may occasionally find pots of dianthus for sale in the house plant section of a garden center. You will not, however, find them in most textbooks – pinks and annual carnations are not accepted as house plants. They do need cool conditions and are not always long-lasting, but they are easily raised from seed and the white, pink or red frilly-edged blooms are attractive. Give them a well-lit spot and do not let the compost dry out. Provide fresh air on hot days.