Cottage Pinks Carnations/Dianthus

Guernsey Donkey2

I am not sure whether cottage pinks come under the name of carnation or dianthus.

My OH went to the well known DIY store with a garden section and kindly bought me 4 pots of cottage pinks.  My question is where should I plant them.  Yes, we have a cottage, the soil is heavy even though I dig in compost and manure.  Do they want full sun, do they mind wind, do they want fine soil with grit and sand or do they need shade.  Do they require watering regularly or survive in the dry? Sorry for all the questions.

Fran IOM

@Guernsey Donkey2  All I can say is that I bought one last year and it did very well and I was surprised at how long it flowered for. It gets the sun first thing in the morning and later is mostly in the shade. As I don't know much about where to plant certain plants I was lucky it seemed happy where it was. I do nothing with the soil and it didn't need any special care and attention, just watering in the summer. May not be of any help to you but if I had success you with your knowledge should do well. 

Topbird

They don’t like the cold, heavy clay at this house. Did well on the more free draining, slightly alkaline soil at our previous property.

Lyn

They don’t like my acid soil much.
Having  said that, the Dianthus Deltoides do very well, they’ve been in quite a few years now and I have to thin the clumps out. 

Borderline

I always thought Pinks were fragrant, has more grey tones in the foliage and have a shorter habit and generally more hardier than carnations, but that could be an outdated view. Agree, they do better in full sun and planted in free draining alkaline soils. 

Guernsey Donkey2

So perhaps I should add some grit to the soil to encourage good drainage.  I have found a few places in my large, sunny flower bed which could be suitable for them.  I will try to plant them tomorrow and hope for the best.  The offer was 4 plants for £10 and they are very healthy, strong looking plants in 5 inch pots..