Dianthus has been a cottage- and rock-garden favorite for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. Also known as Pinks, Carnations, or Sweet William, these perennials offer charming (often fragrant) summer blooms in shades from deep burgundy to soft peach. Neat mounds of green to blue-green foliage look great even when not in flower. Dianthus thrives in sun, handles drought once established, and works beautifully in borders, beds, and containers. Shop Annie’s favorite Dianthus groundcovers below!