Dianthus armeria (Deptford pink) — Columnar upright, Matforming

Overview

Dianthus armeria is a columnar upright, matforming annual biennial in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Dianthus armeria grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds, rock garden, patio and container plants and cut flowers.

About

Dianthus armeria, commonly known as Deptford pink or penigan y porfeydd, is a cultivar of the Dianthus genus in the Caryophyllaceae family. This annual or biennial plant has a columnar upright to matforming habit with evergreen foliage. It typically grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres over 1 to 2 years. Suited to full sun and a range of aspects including east, south, and west-facing, it thrives in well-drained chalk, loam, or sand soils with alkaline to neutral pH. It is drought resistant and offers interest during the winter season.

About the genus

Dianthus is a genus of about 340 species of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae, native mainly to Europe and Asia, with a few species in northern and southern Africa, and one species (D. repens) in arctic North America. Common names include carnation (D.

Wikipedia contributors, "Dianthus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dianthus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dianthus

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Dianthus armeria size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Annual Biennial
Habit: Columnar upright, Matforming
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height: 1-2 years
Suggested uses: Flower borders and beds, Rock garden, Patio and container plants, Cut flowers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dianthus armeria

Propagation: Softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer
Pest resistance: Slugs, Aphids
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew, Rust, Fusarium wilt

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Dianthus armeria?

Dianthus armeria prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Dianthus armeria need?

Dianthus armeria is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.