About
Joan's Blood' is a hardy perennial forming a mat of dark grey-green foliage, with solitary deep crimson flowers 4cm wide, on stems 5-10cm tall.
About the genus
Dianthus can be annuals, evergreen perennials or subshrubs with narrow, often greyish leaves and showy flowers that are frequently fragrant
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden
ToxicityHumans/Pets: Skin allergen, wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Prefers soil enriched with well-rotted manure or garden compost and an application of a balanced fertiliser in spring
PruningDeadhead regularly to prolong flowering and maintain a compact habit
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, a virus and fusarium wilt