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Dianthus chinensis
Dianthus chinensis
Dianthus chinensis
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Dianthus chinensis
A naturalized pink in Korea
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Dianthus
Species:
D. chinensis
Binomial name
Dianthus chinensis

Dianthus chinensis, commonly known as rainbow pink[1] or China pink is a species of Dianthus native to northern China, Korea, Mongolia, and southeastern Russia.[2] It is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 30–50 cm tall.

Description

[edit]

The leaves are green to greyish green, slender, 3–5 cm long and 2–4 mm broad. The flowers are white, pink, or red, 3–4 cm diameter, produced singly or in small clusters from spring to mid summer.[2] Several branched stems form a loose eyrie. The basal leaves are usually already withered during flowering, the leaves remain on the stem.

Growing in the form of a bush, the flowers are often together in pairs, and ornamental varieties could accommodate up to 15 flowers in a cymose inflorescence. Below the flower stand four bracts, which reach to half of the calyx; they are ciliated and point upward. The calyx forms a cylindrical, 1.5 to 2.5 cm long tube, the corolla reaches 3 to 4 cm in diameter and is serrated at the edge. The color of the petals ranges from white to pink to dark red, the middle is often pigmented darker. The capsule fruit is enclosed by the sepals. The black seeds are flattened-roundish.[3]

Distribution

[edit]

The plant has a large distribution area in East Asia, which includes not only China, but also Korea and eastern Russia, to the northwest it still occurs in Mongolia and Kazakhstan. The Flora of China also counts Europe as the area of distribution. The sites include grasslands as well as sparse forests.

Cultivation

[edit]

It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant, both in China and elsewhere across temperate regions of the world; numerous cultivars have been selected for garden use.[4] Over the years, many forms have been derived from selection and hybridization. Today, the efforts of breeders are aimed at creating hybrids characterized by a compact bush, early and long flowering, flowers of various shades. This makes it possible to grow plants not only at the amateur level, but also for commercial purposes.[5]

[edit]
  • Botanical illustration
    Botanical illustration
  • 1858 illustration
    1858 illustration
  • Red flowers
    Red flowers
  • Dianthus chinensis var. senperflorens
    Dianthus chinensis var. senperflorens
  • Pinkish white flowers
    Pinkish white flowers
  • Imperials in a bush setting
    Imperials in a bush setting
  • Dianthus chinensis var. senperflorens
    Dianthus chinensis var. senperflorens
  • dark pink colored Dianthus chinensis
    dark pink colored Dianthus chinensis
  • Guangxi Medicinal Botanical Garden in Nanning
    Guangxi Medicinal Botanical Garden in Nanning

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dianthus chinensis

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Dianthus chinensis, commonly known as Chinese pink or rainbow pink, is a biennial or short-lived perennial herbaceous plant in the Caryophyllaceae family, native to northern China, Korea, Mongolia, and southeastern Russia. It typically grows 30–50 cm tall with upright, simple or branched stems that are glabrous or glandular-pubescent, bearing opposite, linear to lanceolate leaves 2–6 cm long and 2–8 mm wide, which are gray-green and waxy in texture. The plant produces solitary or clustered terminal flowers 2–3 cm across, featuring five flat, fringed petals in shades of pink, red, purple, white, or bicolors with a darker central eye, blooming profusely from late spring through summer. These clove-scented blooms attract pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while the overall form creates a compact mound 25–30 cm wide suitable for ornamental displays. Widely cultivated worldwide as an ornamental since its introduction to Europe in the 18th century, D. chinensis prefers full sun exposure for at least six hours daily and well-drained, fertile soils with neutral to slightly alkaline pH, though it tolerates light shade and sandy or loamy conditions. It performs best in USDA hardiness zones 6a–9b, where it can be grown as a perennial, but is often treated as an annual in cooler regions due to its sensitivity to frost and heat stress. Propagation occurs easily from seeds sown in spring or by stem cuttings, with regular deadheading and moderate watering promoting extended flowering; however, it is susceptible to crown rot from poor drainage and should not be replanted in the same soil repeatedly. Numerous cultivars, such as those with lacy petal edges or compact habits, enhance its versatility in borders, rock gardens, containers, and as cool-season color in cottage-style landscapes. In , D. chinensis—known as "Qu Mai"—has been utilized since the (502–557 CE) as a key herbal source for treating urinary tract infections, , , suppressed urination or , and skin inflammations like boils and eczema, owing to its , antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The whole plant, harvested before flowering, acts as a bitter tonic to stimulate the digestive, urinary, and intestinal systems, with modern research confirming its short-term effects and potential to induce . While deer- and rabbit-resistant, the plant contains low-toxicity triterpenoid and is not recommended for ingestion without professional guidance.

Taxonomy and Description

Taxonomy

Dianthus chinensis is the binomial name assigned to this species by in his in 1753. The species belongs to the kingdom Plantae, phylum Tracheophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order , family , and genus . The genus comprises approximately 300 species of flowering plants, commonly known as pinks and carnations, primarily native to and . Historical synonyms include Dianthus amurensis Jacques and Dianthus versicolor Fisch. ex Link, reflecting variations in early taxonomic interpretations. The generic name Dianthus derives from the Greek words Dios (of Zeus or divine) and anthos (flower), signifying "divine flower." The specific epithet chinensis indicates its association with China. Taxonomically, Dianthus chinensis is recognized as a highly variable , with varieties such as var. chinensis (the nominotypical form) and var. versicolor, distinguished primarily by differences in floral and foliar characteristics.

Description

Dianthus chinensis is an herbaceous or belonging to the family, typically growing 30–50 cm tall in a bushy, upright, and compact form with laxly caespitose stems that are erect, simple or branched above, and glabrous. The overall structure features a supporting the mounded growth habit. Its chromosome number is 2n=30. The leaves are arranged oppositely, linear to lanceolate in shape, measuring 3–5 cm long and 2–4 mm broad, with a prominent midvein, slightly narrowed base, entire or denticulate margins, and acuminate apex; they are green to greyish-green and often . Flowers occur solitary or in cymose clusters of up to 15, with a of 3–4 cm, borne on pedicels 1–3 cm long and accompanied by four ovate bracts about half the calyx length. Each flower has five petals, 1.6–1.8 cm long, with obovate-triangular limbs 1.3–1.5 cm across that are , purple-red, pink, white, or lilac, featuring irregularly toothed or fringed edges, a spotted , and laxly bearded texture; the calyx is cylindric and tubular, 1.5–2.5 cm long by 4–5 mm wide, striate, green with lanceolate teeth about 5 mm long that are ciliate-margined and sharply pointed, often reddish. The blooms from spring to mid-summer, typically May to June. Following , fruits develop as cylindric to ovoid capsules, 4-toothed at the apex and surrounded by the persistent calyx, each containing numerous flattened, black, compressed globose seeds.

Distribution and Habitat

Native Range

Dianthus chinensis is native primarily to northern China, including provinces such as , , , , , , , , , , , , and , as well as Korea, , and southeastern , particularly the Amur, Khabarovsk, and Primorye regions. This species occurs in a variety of natural settings within these areas, including grasslands and hillside grasslands. The native range extends more broadly from , encompassing regions like Central European Russia, East European Russia, Northwest European Russia, South European Russia, , and Krym, through temperate Asia—including areas in , , , West Siberia, and Yakutiya—to northern , with presence in the West Himalaya, East Himalaya, , , and parts of . Historical records confirm its distribution across grasslands from to the . Outside its native Asian and eastern European range, Dianthus chinensis has naturalized in some areas, such as the and Czechia-Slovakia, though these populations are limited and not indicative of widespread establishment.

Habitat Preferences

Dianthus chinensis naturally inhabits a diverse array of ecosystems in temperate regions, including open grasslands, dry hillsides, mountain slopes, sandy forest margins, scrublands, , , rocky crevices, and coastal areas such as fixed dunes and seashores. It thrives in sparse forests and hillside grasslands, reflecting its adaptability to varied topographic conditions within its native range across northern , Korea, , and southeastern . These habitats are typically characterized by open, sunny exposures that support its growth in steppe and meadow communities alongside native grasses and other herbaceous perennials. The species prefers well-drained soils, such as sandy or loamy types, with a neutral to slightly alkaline ranging from 6.0 to 7.5, and it tolerates low but is intolerant of waterlogging. In its natural settings, it succeeds in dry to medium conditions, often in or gravelly substrates that prevent excess retention. Full sun exposure is essential, though in hotter climates within its range, it benefits from partial afternoon shade to mitigate heat stress. As a cool-temperate hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9, Dianthus chinensis is adapted to regions with moderate annual precipitation and seasonal temperature fluctuations typical of its native East Asian locales. Once established, it exhibits , aided by its leaves that reduce and water loss, enabling survival in arid hillsides and steppes during dry periods.

Ecology

Reproduction

Dianthus chinensis primarily follows a biennial life cycle in wild populations, developing a basal rosette of leaves during the first year before bolting and flowering in the second year, after which the plant typically senesces. Under optimal conditions, it can persist as a short-lived for several years, while in disturbed habitats, it often behaves as a self-seeding annual, completing its cycle within one . Sexual reproduction dominates the species' propagation in natural settings, with entomophilous pollination mediated mainly by bees and butterflies attracted to the fragrant, colorful flowers. These flowers exhibit protandry, where stamens mature and release pollen prior to stigma receptivity, favoring cross-pollination despite the plant's self-compatibility; however, self-pollen tubes grow more slowly and achieve lower ovule penetration rates (around 8%), resulting in reduced seed set compared to outcrosses. Fertilized ovaries develop into cylindric capsules that dehisce at maturity, each containing numerous black, compressed globose seeds. Seed dispersal occurs via a combination of ballistic dehiscence, where the four-toothed capsules explosively release seeds, and anemochory, as carries the lightweight seeds from elevated stem positions. For successful , seeds require surface sowing for light exposure and germinate within 7-21 days at soil temperatures of 18-22°C. Asexual reproduction is limited in Dianthus chinensis, primarily involving vegetative propagation through basal shoots in its caespitose growth form, though this does not contribute significantly to population spread compared to sexual means. Flowering phenology in the native range peaks from May to July, with bloom initiation promoted by lengths greater than 14 hours, aligning with temperate spring conditions in eastern . The five-petaled flowers, often solitary or in small cymes with exserted blue anthers, facilitate this pollinator-dependent reproductive strategy.

Ecological Interactions

Dianthus chinensis flowers produce nectar and pollen that attract a variety of insect pollinators, including bees and butterflies, facilitating cross-pollination and contributing to the maintenance of biodiversity in grassland ecosystems. These interactions enhance floral diversity by supporting pollinator populations that visit multiple plant species, promoting gene flow and community stability in temperate habitats. The plant exhibits chemical defenses against herbivory, primarily through oleanane-type triterpenoid present in its leaves and aerial parts, which deter feeding by disrupting digestion and exhibiting properties. In its native range, D. chinensis experiences low levels of herbivory, showing resistance to by deer and rabbits due to these compounds and the plant's overall texture, with no major pest pressures reported. Symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, such as Glomus intraradices and Glomus mosseae, enable enhanced nutrient uptake, particularly and , in nutrient-poor soils typical of grasslands. These partnerships improve development and overall vigor, with inoculated D. chinensis exhibiting significantly higher shoot fresh weight (6.83 g), root fresh weight (3.17 g), and flower numbers (16.67) compared to non-inoculated controls, aiding survival in marginal environments. As a component of temperate grassland flora, D. chinensis provides ecosystem services by contributing to floral diversity and aiding on slopes through its in mixed herbaceous communities. It serves as part of the in sparse forests and open , helping maintain structure. However, in non-native regions, it has minor invasive potential as a due to its reproductive capacity, though it remains generally non-aggressive and is not widely listed as problematic. Native populations face threats from loss and , which degrade integrity and reduce diversity, including D. chinensis.

Cultivation

Growing Requirements

Dianthus chinensis thrives in full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct daily, though it benefits from afternoon shade in hotter climates to prevent scorching. Plants should be spaced 15 to 30 cm apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth. The plant prefers well-drained, fertile loamy with medium levels, becoming drought-tolerant once established, but it requires consistent watering during dry spells to support blooming. Avoid overly wet conditions, particularly in winter, as poor drainage can lead to root issues. Optimal ranges from 6.0 to 7.5, though it tolerates neutral to slightly alkaline conditions up to 8.0. Dianthus chinensis is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9, performing best in cool summer conditions with daytime temperatures of 55–65°F and nighttime temperatures of 50–55°F. In colder areas within zone 6, apply mulch for winter protection to insulate roots, while heat-tolerant varieties can extend suitability into warmer parts of zone 9. It tolerates light frost but may act as an annual in extreme heat or humidity. Fertilization needs are low; incorporate a balanced, slow-release in spring at planting to promote healthy growth and flowering, avoiding high-nitrogen formulas that encourage excessive foliage over blooms. Common issues include susceptibility to crown rot and in poorly drained soils, as well as pests like slugs, snails, and ; the plant is generally deer-resistant but may require monitoring for on new growth.

Propagation Methods

Dianthus chinensis is commonly propagated from seeds, which can be sown indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected to allow for timely and first-year blooming. Seeds should be surface-sown as they require light for and lightly pressed into a sterile, well-drained starter mix without covering; maintain and temperatures of 15–20°C for optimal results, with typically occurring in 10–14 days. Seedlings are then thinned to about 15 cm apart and hardened off before outdoor planting once risk has passed. Vegetative propagation via softwood cuttings is another effective method, particularly for maintaining specific cultivars, with cuttings taken in summer from non-flowering shoots measuring 5–7 cm long. Remove lower leaves, dip the base in rooting hormone if desired, and insert into a moist mix of and (or 90% with 10% ) under high humidity conditions such as or a propagation dome; roots develop in 4–6 weeks at warm temperatures around 20–24°C, yielding success rates of 70–80% under controlled environments. This approach is suitable for the short-lived forms of D. chinensis./details) For established clumps, division can rejuvenate plants and increase stock, performed in spring every 2–3 years by carefully lifting , separating healthy sections with roots, and replanting immediately at the same depth in prepared . This method helps prevent overcrowding and maintains vigor, though it is less common for the primarily annual varieties of D. chinensis. Propagation timing is critical for success, with spring or fall being ideal to align with cooler temperatures that reduce transplant stress; however, seeds from hybrid cultivars may not breed true to type, leading to variability in offspring traits. In commercial , D. chinensis is frequently produced from seeds to ensure uniformity in height, color, and flowering, enabling efficient large-scale plant production./details)

Varieties and Uses

Cultivars and Varieties

Dianthus chinensis exhibits natural variation, with the standard form classified as var. chinensis, featuring single to semi-double flowers in shades of pink, red, and white on typically reaching 6-18 inches in height. Another recognized varietal form is var. heddewigii, known for its double, fringed flowers and more compact growth habit, often used in ornamental breeding. Cultivation of Dianthus chinensis began in and America in the early following its introduction from , with focusing on enhancing compact stature, prolonged flowering periods of up to three months, and a broad palette exceeding 100 color variations including bicolors and patterns. Modern breeding efforts, particularly from the 20th century onward, have emphasized interspecific hybrids, such as crosses with , to improve uniformity and vigor. Notable cultivars include the Heddewigii group, exemplified by 'Black and White Minstrels', a compact variety growing to 14 inches tall with fully double, laced black-and-white flowers that are sweetly fragrant and bloom from summer to frost. The series, an , stands at about 12 inches with early-blooming, heat-tolerant flowers in mixed pink and red tones, suitable for cool-season bedding. Similarly, the Ideal Select series offers dwarf plants of 8-10 inches, featuring frost-resistant, lacy-edged blooms in uniform colors for spring and autumn sales. Other popular selections encompass the series, such as 'Diamond Blush ' and 'Diamond Scarlet', bred for vibrant, fringed single flowers on low-mounding plants. As of 2025, recent breeding introductions include the Supra series, an interspecific of D. chinensis and D. superbus from Hem Genetics, offering larger flowers and enhanced vigor for landscape use, and the Beauties series from HilverdaFlorist, featuring compact plants with showy, fringed blooms in various colors for containers and borders. Breeding priorities for these cultivars have centered on resistance to diseases like , tolerance to and , adaptability to container culture, and retention of fragrance in contemporary strains. These traits ensure reliable performance in diverse climates, from USDA zones 5-9. Dianthus chinensis cultivars are widely available as seeds or young from commercial nurseries, often marketed as annual bedding options or in patented hybrid series for professional growers.

Ornamental and Medicinal Uses

Dianthus chinensis is widely valued in for its vibrant, fringed flowers that provide striking color in garden landscapes. It is commonly planted in borders, rock gardens, and containers due to its compact growth habit and ability to thrive in well-drained soils. Mass plantings of this species create dense displays of , , , or multicolored blooms, enhancing visual appeal in areas. As a cut flower, Dianthus chinensis offers excellent vase life, typically lasting 7 to 10 days when harvested properly and placed in fresh water. The species was introduced to in the early through trade routes from , where it quickly gained popularity as an . By 1767, it had reached American gardens, with records of cultivation at sites like and later , reflecting its early adoption in colonial . During the , Dianthus chinensis became a favorite for edging paths and borders, prized for its neat form and prolific blooming. In , Dianthus chinensis, known as "Qu Mai," has been used since the (502–557 CE) as a bitter tonic to support and alleviate disorders of the urinary tract, such as cystitis and , as well as bowel issues. The herb's active compounds, including and , contribute to its and properties. Typical dosage involves preparing a from 3 to 9 grams of dried aerial parts, often combined with other herbs in formulas like Ba Zheng San. Beyond these primary applications, the petals of Dianthus chinensis are occasionally used as a minor , adding a mild clove-like flavor to salads or desserts when grown without pesticides. Extraction of essential oils from the plant is rare and not commercially significant. Culturally, in some Asian traditions, the flower symbolizes and admiration, often featured in celebrations, though its economic role remains largely confined to ornamental .

References

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