Plant Description
Flowers: Feature distinctive zig-zag fringed edges (as if cut with pinking shears). Colors range from soft baby pink and coral to vibrant neon magenta. Many varieties have a contrasting "eye" in the center.
Foliage: Most have narrow, blue-gray or "glaucous" leaves that form a low, grass-like mound. This evergreen foliage remains attractive even when the plant isn't blooming.
Size: Depends on the variety. Dwarf types (like 'Firewitch') stay 6–8 inches tall, while upright types (like Sweet William) can reach 12–24 inches.
Fragrance: Famous for a spicy, clove-like scent that is strongest on warm, sunny days. 
Expert Care Guide
Dianthus are "tough-as-nails" plants but have a few specific requirements to prevent them from dying out in the center of the clump: 
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6 hours). In very hot Southern climates, they appreciate some afternoon shade to prevent the foliage from "burning out."
Soil: Must have sharply draining, neutral to slightly alkaline soil. They hate "wet feet" over the winter, which causes crown rot.
Expert Tip: If your soil is acidic (common in SC), add a little garden lime to the planting hole.
Watering: Water at the base when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overhead watering, which can lead to fungal rust on the blue leaves.
Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which result in floppy stems and fewer flowers.
Maintenance:
Deadheading: This is crucial. Promptly remove faded flowers to encourage a second flush of blooms in late summer or fall.
Shearing: After the main spring bloom, you can lightly shear the entire mound with garden scissors to keep it tidy and promote new growth. 
Pet Safety: Dianthus is mildly toxic to dogs and cats, potentially causing skin irritation or gastrointestinal upset if eaten.