Dianthus

Dianthus

Sagittarius

Diversity, Variety

The sun-loving flower Dianthus can be found as an annual, biennial or perennial. Many of the more than 300 species of Dianthus, as well as hundreds of hybrids, have flowers with a fragrant scent and notched petals. Flowers bloom in spring or summer through to autumn and can be many shades of pink, red, white, rose or lavender. Plants have blue-green foliage and range from small ground cover to plants 30 inches tall. Common names are Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus), Pinks or Sweet William.

Dianthus are native to Europe or Asia, and are now also grown elsewhere. Dianthus comes from Greek words for the Greek mythological god Zeus and flower, roughly translated as "flower of Zeus" or  “flower of the gods”.

Dianthus bursts with color, which blooms repeatedly through the summer. Working or planting Dianthus will bring bursts of color in our lives; color brings joy to our spirits. 

Dianthus can also produce multiple colors on one bloom, showing us many lessons on diversity and variety and how they can support us joyfully. Dianthus is an example that we have the choice of many paths and each one, or a few, may be right for us.  Feel free to explore a path that calls to you, and later, if another calls, know the new path is right at that time.  

Different varieties of Dianthus have fairly flat surfaces, and others have layers of petals similar to carnations, giving us the idea that many flavors can belong to the same family or group and thrive together. We all bring the unique aspects of ourselves and each of these strengthen, enhance or highlight unique aspects of others.

Dianthus shows us the variety of personal choices, including those right for you. For example, your family may be of people you've chosen instead of those related by blood.