Overwintering guide
How to overwinter dianthus 'mrs sinkins'
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills dianthus 'mrs sinkins' in winter
Cutting dianthus 'mrs sinkins' hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More dianthus 'mrs sinkins' care
Overwintering dianthus 'mrs sinkins' — FAQ
Does dianthus 'mrs sinkins' need to come indoors for winter?
Dianthus 'Mrs Sinkins' is hardy to roughly USDA zone 5 — winter lows around -29°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Dianthus 'Mrs Sinkins' is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move dianthus 'mrs sinkins' for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water dianthus 'mrs sinkins' in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills dianthus 'mrs sinkins' over winter?
Cutting dianthus 'mrs sinkins' hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.