How to Divide Dianthus (Carnations)

Does your potted Dianthus look wilted and sad? Have you wondered if you could take one plant and divide it into two? I have the answer!

Dianthus are also known as “Pinks”, The name “Pinks” comes not from its color but from the frilly edges that look like they have been cut with pinking shears!  Dianthus is a very resilient plant.  Would you like to learn how to divide a dianthus plant?  It is very easy!

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How to Divide a Dianthus Plant

Before

My poor Dianthus is looking pretty peaked, wouldn’t you agree?  Wilted and sad looking, it isn’t ready for the compost pile yet, though.  The center is showing signs of new growth and there are a few tiny buds showing on the ends of a few stems.

The major problem my Dianthus is suffering from is the fact that it has overgrown its pot.  It has become rootbound.  One of the signs that it has become root bound is the fact that it wilts sooner than it used to due the lack of soil left in the pot.  Lack of soil means the water runs right through the pot since there is nothing in the pot to absorb it.  Also, the roots were growing out of the bottom of the pot!  A sure sign that the plant needs repotting!

Once I removed the plant from its pot, I could see how rootbound it had become.  It was time to gather my supplies.  I needed a sharp knife, clean pots and some potting soil.  I think I could have actually divided this into three plants but honestly, I only had two pots available to I was limited to cutting into two pieces.

Making the Cut – How to divide a dianthus plant

After placing the plant on its side, I found the center of the plant and used a sharp knife to slice the plant into two pieces.  I used alcohol to clean the knife before and after making the cut to help keep the plants disease free.

After potting the two plants into clean pots, I trimmed off the dead flowers and brown stems.  I watered the plants until water ran through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pots.  The plants were then ready to to enjoy a little sunshine!

After

Perky and happy looking, the two pots are ready to add some cheer to the garden!

More Fun Facts about Dianthus

Dianthus plants are very adaptive.  They will thrive in full sun or partial shade as long as they get at least 6 hours of sun.  Dianthus can be planted directly in the garden or used in containers.  Avoid getting water on the leaves and stems of the plant.  Water directly into the soil.

If grown organically, the flowers are edible! Just the flowers though, don’t eat the foliage!

In the Language of Flowers, Dianthus has several meanings.  Love, admiration, passion and affection are some of the meanings.  I share a very quick introduction into the language of flowers here:Tussie Mussies and the Language of Flowers

Dianthus is cold tolerant.  It can take a light frost making it a perfect early spring plant.  It isn’t extremely fond of high temperatures so it may not bloom in the summer.  Simply trim it back and it will rebloom in the fall when temperatures decrease!

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Other Gardening Posts Featuring Dianthus

To learn about other cold tolerant plants, please see this post! Springthyme in the Garden!

Looking for ways to add some quick color to your garden?  Please check out this post! Garden Bedding Plantsfor Summer Thyme

Just getting started with Dianthus?  Here is how I used Dianthus in a Garden Style Dough Bowl Arrangement

And a few more pictures!

 

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