Dianthus 'Bat's Double Red' — perennial

Overview

Dianthus 'Bat's Double Red' is a perennial in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family. Dianthus 'Bat's Double Red' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers.

About

Dianthus 'Bat's Double Red' is a perennial Dianthus with a noticeable clove-like fragrance. It flowers from May to September. Plant in full sun on well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in a south-facing, sheltered position. Rated H5 (hardy), it suits borders, rock gardens and containers where soil moisture remains moderate.

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

In the garden

A perennial member of the Caryophyllaceae, Dianthus 'Bat's Double Red' sits within the carnation/pink group and offers a marked clove-like scent alongside its long flowering period. Flowering runs from May to September, making it a useful summer presence where scent and continual blooms are desired. Select a south-facing, sheltered site in full sun and a well-drained soil with a neutral to alkaline reaction; the plant tolerates only moderate soil moisture and dislikes waterlogged conditions. The H5 rating means it is hardy in most UK gardens but benefits from the protection of a sunny, sheltered spot to avoid winter wet at the roots. Containers should use a free-draining compost and be placed where they receive the maximum available sun. Use Dianthus 'Bat's Double Red' at the front of perennial borders, in rock gardens where good drainage is natural, or in mixed patio containers. Its scent is a distinguishing feature in close planting, so position where the fragrance can be enjoyed during the May to September flowering season. Placing containers near a seating area or at the front of a border takes advantage of both the bloom period and the clove-like perfume.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dianthus

Sunlight: full sun
Soil type: well-drained
Soil pH: neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: moderate
Aspect: south-facing
Exposure: sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Dianthus 'Bat's Double Red' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, rock gardens, containers
Fragrance: clove-like

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dianthus 'Bat's Double Red'

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; avoid waterlogging; deadhead to prolong flowering.
Pruning: Remove spent flowers regularly; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
Propagation: seed, cuttings