Dianthus plumarius

Dianthus plumarius – also called the common pink, garden pink, wild pink, or simply pink – is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. This pretty flower is known for its bright, often fragrant petals that come in many colors, making it a favorite in gardens. People have grown these plants for many years because they are tough and can survive in different conditions.

The common pink adds beauty to gardens and parks, and its flowers can attract helpful insects. It is a special part of many places where flowers are loved and grown.

Description

Dianthus plumarius is a small, green plant that lives year-round and grows about 30 to 60 centimeters tall. It has thin, upright leaves and pretty pink flowers with five petals each. These flowers bloom from May until August. The plant also produces small seed pods after the flowers fade.

Distribution

The common pink, also called the garden pink or wild pink, grows naturally in Austria, Croatia, and Slovenia. It has also been found growing in Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

In the United States, this plant can be found in many places, including Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York State, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and California.

Etymology

The name "pink" for the flower comes from a time when the flower was first written about in 1570. Within just 20 years, the name started to describe a soft red color that we also call pink today. It is not known for sure if a tool called a pinking shear, which makes zigzag cuts, got its name from the flower or if the flower got its name from the tool.