About
A short-lived perennial often grown as an annual. Domed clusters of bright purple flowers are held above green foliage. They are good for providing colour in spring and summer bedding displays and as a cut flower. Flowering stems often grow taller than 50cm.
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 typeLoam, Sand, Clay, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline, Acid
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Bedding
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
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
CultivationPlant out into flowering positions in autumn for a main display of colour in spring, or plant out in spring for a main display of colour in summer. Grow in a sheltered, sunny site on free-draining soil
PruningDeadhead regularly to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sold as 'Amazon Neon Purple'; seed collected from cultivars may result in plants with different characteristics
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, a virus and fusarium wilt