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Caryophyllaceae
Japanese Pink
Dianthus japonicus
Bold affection and coastal tenacity.
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Genus
- Dianthus
- Native to
- Japan
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 15–30 cm
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil
- well-drained, sandy to loamy
- Water
- low to medium
- Hardiness
- 5–9
- Lifespan
- short-lived perennial
Did you know
- Japanese pink naturally grows on rocky coastal cliffs, tolerating salt spray and sandy soils that would stress most garden plants.
- The genus name Dianthus comes from the Greek 'dios anthos,' meaning 'divine flower' — a name given by Theophrastus.
- Its thick, glossy leaves are an adaptation to seaside conditions, reducing water loss in salty winds.
- The fringed petals give the flower a delicate, lace-like appearance despite the plant's tough constitution.
- It is sometimes called 'Hama-nadeshiko' in Japanese, meaning 'beach nadeshiko,' distinguishing it from the mountain species.
Color meanings
Pink
warm admiration
White
pure devotion
Magenta
bold passion