Pinks, Carnation Plant Particulars Zones: 3 to 9 Height: 3 inches to 2 feet Spread: 8 to 18 inches Shape: Mounds or mats Color: White, pink, or red flowers; blue-green leaves Bloom time: Spring, summer Light needs: Full sun to light shade Soil: Average; moist to dry Pinks are beloved for their old-fashioned charm and delightful spicy-sweet fragrance. Their delicate flowers have fringed petals that complement their slender leaves. What's more, the foliage holds its color year-round, making this perennial attractive even when it's not blooming. Most varieties of pinks are low-growing, clump-forming plants that are perfect additions to rock gardens and border edgings, and great for use as ground covers. Plant them on top of a retaining wall so you won't have to kneel down to enjoy their scent. Silvery-leaved plants, such as lamb's-ears and artemisias, make striking companions for pinks' bright blooms. Pinks spread quickly and are often short-lived, so divide the clumps every 2 or 3 years to keep the plants vigorous. If you remove the spent flowers regularly, you'll usually be able to keep your pinks in bloom for 6 weeks or more.
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