How do you grow Dianthus perennial flowers?

Grow a dianthus perennial by planting it in a sunny location, preparing the soil, giving the plant plenty of space to grow, watering it as needed, composting and mulching the plant each year and pruning the stems. You need a garden fork, a trowel, mulch, compost and pruning scissors.

1. Select a good location

   Select a location in which to plant the dianthus that receives full sun. The soil needs to be well-drained with a neutral pH.

2. Prepare the soil

   Till the top 12 inches of the soil to loosen it, and work in 2 to 4 inches of compost.

3. Plant the dianthus

   Dig a hole that is twice the size of the container or root ball of the plant that is between 6 and 12 inches away from other plants. Place the plant in the hole, and fill it in with the soil. Gently tamp down the dirt.

4. Water the plant

   Water the plant immediately after planting. Make sure it gets 1 inch of moisture per week.

5. Mulch and compost the plant

   Add a layer of compost and a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant.

6. Prune the plant

   Deadhead faded flowers. Cut back the plant to within 1 inch of the soil after the first frost.