Dianthus, commonly known as Pinks, are a diverse group of flowering plants cherished for their bright, often fragrant blooms and compact, tufted foliage. The term “pinks” refers not to the color, but to the serrated, “pinked” edges of the petals. Deadheading is a simple gardening practice that involves removing these spent or faded flower heads.
The Key Benefits of Removing Faded Flowers
Removing old flowers is a recommended practice for most reblooming Dianthus varieties. This action interferes with the plant’s natural reproductive cycle, as energy is channeled into developing a seed head once a flower fades.
Removing the spent bloom redirects energy away from seed maturation and back into vegetative growth and new flower buds. This results in a quicker and more abundant second flush of blooms, often extending the flowering season. Also, removing decaying floral tissue helps maintain a tidy appearance and reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
Specific Methods for Deadheading Dianthus
The technique for deadheading depends on the Dianthus variety and the extent of the bloom. For varieties producing single, sporadic blooms, a precise method called pinching is best. Follow the stem down from the faded flower head to the nearest set of healthy leaves or a newly forming side bud, and remove the stem just above that point. This targeted approach encourages immediate branching and new flower development.
When Dianthus plants finish a major flush of blooming, especially mounding types, shearing is the most efficient technique. This involves using clean, sharp pruners or shears to cut back the entire cluster of spent flower stems. The goal is to remove the top one-third to one-half of the foliage, giving the plant a “haircut.” This mass removal stimulates the plant to produce a uniform wave of new growth and subsequent blooms.
When Leaving Spent Flowers Is Appropriate
While deadheading promotes rebloom, there are times when leaving faded flowers in place is beneficial. If the goal is to allow the plant to self-sow and spread naturally, the spent flowers must remain so seeds can fully mature and drop. This is common practice for gardeners seeking a naturalized look or wishing to propagate heirloom varieties.
Leaving the flowers to set seed is also beneficial to local wildlife, providing a food source for birds and small mammals. Certain Dianthus types, such as Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus), are primarily once-blooming and will not produce a second flush regardless of deadheading. For these plants, the effort of spent flower removal may be skipped entirely.