Chinese pink
Dianthus chinensis

Family: Caryophyllaceae

What it is like

A short lived plant often grown as an annual. It grows 30-45 cm high and spreads 15-23 cm wide. It is a bushy plant. The stems have easy to see nodes. The leaves are slender. They are light green, pointed and 8 cm long. The flowers are red, pink or white. They are about 2.5 cm across.

There are 320 Dianthus species. The plant is used in medicine.

Where it is found

It is often planted amongst rocks. It is best in a light to medium, well-drained soil. It needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to drought and frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Central Asia, China (country/location of origin), Hawaii, India, Kazakhstan, Korea, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pacific, Rotuma, Russia, SE Asia, Siberia, Tajikistan, USA

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Flowers

How it is grown

It can be grown by seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Shizu, Stone bamboo, Zaw-hmwa-gale

Synonyms

Dianthus altaicus Willd. ex Ledeb.; Many others