What is the difference between Dianthus plumarius and Dianthus chinensis, and which one is more cold-tolerant?

Recently, many netizens have posted that they often cannot tell the difference between Dianthus chinensis and Dianthus plumarius. Because these two kinds of dianthus are extremely similar in both form and color, making it difficult for ordinary flower lovers to distinguish them. Below, let's talk about their differences together.

The biggest difference between Dianthus chinensis and Dianthus plumarius can first be distinguished by plant shape. Generally, Dianthus chinensis is taller, with a plant height of about 30 cm. On the flower stems, Dianthus plumarius is thicker than Dianthus chinensis and slightly curved. In terms of leaves, Dianthus plumarius is overall broad and relatively thin, while the leaves of Dianthus chinensis are usually narrower and thicker.

Secondly, they can also be distinguished by flower size. The flowers of Dianthus chinensis are usually smaller, with colors of white, light red, or purple, often solitary or 2-3 borne at the top edge of the branch, fragrant, with scale-like bracts, while the flowers of Dianthus plumarius are larger and mainly purple in color, clustered in form, and double-flowered.

Then, there are some differences in the habits of these two plants. First, Dianthus chinensis usually prefers a warm and humid environment, and attention should also be paid to soil with a pH between 6.5-7.5. At the same time, it has a high demand for light and strong drought tolerance. Dianthus plumarius, on the other hand, prefers a cool and dry environment and has a certain tolerance for light, but is not suitable for long periods of direct sunlight. In addition, Dianthus chinensis grows faster, and the pruning frequency is greater than that of Dianthus plumarius, while Dianthus plumarius grows more slowly, so the pruning frequency is relatively lower.

In addition, their distribution areas are also different. Dianthus chinensis is mainly distributed in the Guizhou region of China in Asia, and also in areas from Austria to Siberia in Russia in Europe. Dianthus plumarius is mainly distributed in Europe and North Africa, especially commonly along the Mediterranean coast. Although the two have similar names, there are obvious differences in geographical distribution.

Finally, the flower language of Dianthus chinensis and Dianthus plumarius is different. Among them, the flower language of Dianthus chinensis represents purity, elegance, and an unyielding spirit. The flower language represented by Dianthus plumarius is hope, friendship, and pure love.