About
Dianthus 'Delicatus' is a neat, clump-forming dianthus producing showy blooms with fringed or smooth petals on sturdy stems from late spring to midsummer above a tidy clump of linear, glaucous foliage. A charming and reliable selection for a sunny, well-drained border or rock garden.
About the genus
Dianthus, the pinks and carnations, are annuals, evergreen perennials and subshrubs with narrow, often grey or blue-green leaves and showy, frequently fragrant flowers with fringed or toothed petals in white, pink, red or purple. Among the most beloved of all cottage-garden plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrows well in any fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Tolerant of acid, neutral and alkaline soils.
PruningPruning group 2
PropagationPropagate by seed, softwood cuttings taken in summer; semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn and hardwood cuttings in late autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus