Bearded Pink

How to grow Bearded Pink

Written by the GardenDecoded editorial team · Last reviewed 21 July 2026 · Written for UK gardens · How we research our guidance

Planting

This is a biennial in practice: sow in late spring or early summer, grow the plants on through summer, and plant them into their flowering positions in autumn for flowers the following year. It does well on chalk and dislikes heavy wet ground over winter. Space about 25 cm apart.

Pruning

Deadhead as flowers fade to extend the display. Most plants are pulled out after flowering, though some will survive a further year if cut back hard; the second-year display is usually weaker.

Propagation

Seed sown in a nursery bed or trays in May or June is the standard method and is straightforward. Plants also self-seed where the soil is open.

Pests and diseases

Rust and leaf spot in damp conditions. Slugs damage young plants, and stem rot occurs in soil that stays wet in winter.

Value to wildlife

The scented flowerheads attract bees, butterflies and day-flying moths through early summer.

Notes

The main mistake is treating it as a permanent perennial. Sow a fresh batch every year, and you will have a reliable succession rather than a gap every other summer.

This guidance was researched and written by GardenDecoded — see our editorial policy for how guides are checked and reviewed.

Other names for this plant

These names have all been used for Dianthus barbatus but are no longer the accepted name. You may still meet them on old labels, in books, or in nursery catalogues.

Others in Dianthus