The flower petals of pinks are as varied as their colors and shapes. Some of their petals have very smooth edges, while others are deeply fringed. Certain varieties have distinctly marked eyes of contrasting colors. Their blossoms can be either single, semi-double, or fully double, depending on variety. Almost all varieties of pinks have leaves of bluish-green, lending a great foliage contrast to mixed flower gardens.
Many pinks are hardy perennials, while others are half-hardy and grown as annuals.
Pinks need full sun and will thrive in rich, well-drained soil that is either neutral or alkaline. Depending on their variety, pinks are very versatile to use as border plants, showy bank or ground covers, rock gardens, or to mix with other perennials or annuals. They can also be divided or grown from seeds. Spent blossoms should be trimmed to promote further blooming later in the summer. They are considered a vigorous biennial, but are more often grown as an annual.