DIANTHUS superbus (Fringed Pinks, Mixed)

DIANTHUS superbus (Fringed Pinks, Mixed) is a species of flowering plant in the carnation family (Caryophyllaceae) native to Europe and Asia. It is a hardy perennial that grows in clumps, producing upright stems up to 2 feet tall that bear narrow, gray-green leaves up to 4 inches long.

The fringed pinks produce showy, fragrant flowers that bloom from late spring through early summer. The flowers are typically pink, purple, or white and have deeply fringed petals that give them a delicate, lacy appearance. The plant is easy to grow and is well-suited to rock gardens, borders, and container plantings.

Fringed Pinks, Mixed is often grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and foliage. The flowers are popular with pollinators such as bees and butterflies, and the plant is relatively low maintenance, requiring only moderate water and well-drained soil. It is also sometimes used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as coughs and sore throats.

Flowers have the shape of 5-parted fringes, fragrant, pink-lilac, pink-purple or white. The common name of ' Fringed pinks' does not refer to the color, but to the fringing which looks like it was trimmed with pinking clippers. The petals of the Dianthus flowers are edible if they had been grown organically.  Used for decorating cakes with sugar crystallization. However, the leaves can cause mild stomach distress if eaten.

Overall, Dianthus superbus is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that is well-suited to a wide range of garden settings. Whether grown as an ornamental or for its medicinal properties, it is a valuable addition to any garden.