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 cottage and informal garden, prairie planting, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens. It is native to Europe and W Asia.
About
Dianthus armeria is a biennial plant characterized by a rosette of green foliage at its base. It produces clusters of single flowers that rise on stems reaching up to 50 cm. The blooms are primarily dark pink, adorned with tiny white speckles on the petals. Known as the Deptford pink, this native species is a valuable addition to wildflower meadows.
About the genus
Dianthus comprises annuals, evergreen perennials, and subshrubs characterized by slender, often greyish foliage and prominent flowers that are commonly aromatic.
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
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe, W Asia
- Toxicity
- Humans/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
Pruning and caring for Dianthus armeria
- Cultivation
- Grow in a well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun
- Pruning
- Deadhead at the beginning of the flowering season and allow the seeds to form and drop late summer and early autumn
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, sown in early spring or late autumn
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, a virus and fusarium wilt
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Dianthus armeria?
Grow in a well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun.
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.
How do I prune Dianthus armeria?
Deadhead at the beginning of the flowering season and allow the seeds to form and drop late summer and early autumn.
How big does Dianthus armeria grow?
Dianthus armeria reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Dianthus armeria hardy in the UK?
Dianthus armeria has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Dianthus armeria?
Propagate by seed, sown in early spring or late autumn.
Is Dianthus armeria toxic?
Humans/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.