Chinese-pink is a grown in U.S. flower beds and containers, where it blooms in spring and summer. Its pink, red, or white flowers have fringed petals and often a darker center. American gardeners often grow Chinese-pink as an annual, especially where summers are hot and humid.
Appearance
- Growth form
- The plant forms an upright or mounded clump about 6–30 in (15–76 cm) tall.
- Leaves
- The narrow, opposite leaves are often gray-green and slightly waxy.
- Flowers
- The flat flowers are usually pink, red, or white, with five fringed petals and often a darker eye.
- Flowering time
- In U.S. gardens it flowers in spring and summer.
- Fruit
- A narrow follows the flowers and holds flattened black seeds.
Look-alikes
moss phloxPhlox subulata
Moss phlox creeps into a dense mat no more than about 6 in (15 cm) tall and has tiny needlelike leaves. Chinese-pink grows as a taller clump and has visibly fringed petals rather than five broad, notched lobes.
Why they get mixed upBoth can cover a sunny garden edge with pink flowers.
Where it lives
- Typical habitats
- flower beds
- containers
- rock gardens
- Range
- It is native to temperate parts of Asia, including Korea, and is grown rather than native in the United States.
- Preferred conditions
- It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil; afternoon shade helps in warmer U.S. climates.
Growing it
- Propagation
- It is commonly raised from seed.
Name and classification
- About the name
- A hybrid between Chinese-pink and sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) is also known. Chinese-pink is also called China pink.
- Varieties and forms
- Many bedding cultivars offer different colors and eye patterns.
Conservation
- IUCN Red List
- NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed