Overview
Dianthus barbatus Excelsior Mixed (p,a) is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Dianthus barbatus Excelsior Mixed (p,a) grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include gravel garden, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, low maintenance, wall side borders, banks and slopes, cut flowers, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Dianthus barbatus Excelsior Mixed is a bushy cultivar of the Dianthus genus, which includes annuals, evergreen perennials, and subshrubs known for their slender, often greyish foliage and aromatic flowers. This evergreen plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, including chalk, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels. Hardy in UK conditions (H6), it is suitable for various garden settings such as gravel gardens, coastal areas, and flower borders. The cultivar is valued for its spring and summer interest and can be propagated by softwood cuttings or layering.
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
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Dianthus barbatus Excelsior Mixed (p,a) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Low Maintenance, Wall side borders, Banks and slopes, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dianthus barbatus Excelsior Mixed (p,a)
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer,Layering after flowering
- Pest resistance
- Slugs,Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews,Rust,Fusarium wilt
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dianthus barbatus Excelsior Mixed (p,a)?
Dianthus barbatus Excelsior Mixed (p,a) prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Dianthus barbatus Excelsior Mixed (p,a) need?
Dianthus barbatus Excelsior Mixed (p,a) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Dianthus barbatus Excelsior Mixed (p,a) hardy in the UK?
Dianthus barbatus Excelsior Mixed (p,a) has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Dianthus barbatus Excelsior Mixed (p,a)?
Softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer,Layering after flowering.
More in the Dianthus genus
- Dianthus 'Coronation'Carnation
- Dianthus 'Mrs Sinkins'
- Dianthus 'Thomas'Carnation
- Dianthus caryophyllus 'Wesever'PBRCarnation
- Dianthus fruticosus subsp. carpathus
- Dianthus sp. (coll. Romania)
- Dianthus 'Bat's Double Red'
- Dianthus 'Brympton Red'Pink