Overview
Dianthus 'Black and White Minstrels' (p,a) is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Dianthus 'Black and White Minstrels' (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 'Black and White Minstrels' is a bushy, evergreen perennial cultivar within the Caryophyllaceae family. Like other Dianthus species, it features slender foliage and prominent, often aromatic flowers. This cultivar thrives in full sun and well-drained, neutral to alkaline soils, making it suitable for a variety of garden settings including gravel gardens, patios, and coastal areas. It is hardy to UK zone H6 and offers seasonal interest in spring and summer. Propagation is typically by softwood cuttings in summer or layering after flowering.
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 'Black and White Minstrels' (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 'Black and White Minstrels' (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 'Black and White Minstrels' (p,a)?
Dianthus 'Black and White Minstrels' (p,a) prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Dianthus 'Black and White Minstrels' (p,a) need?
Dianthus 'Black and White Minstrels' (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 'Black and White Minstrels' (p,a) hardy in the UK?
Dianthus 'Black and White Minstrels' (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 'Black and White Minstrels' (p,a)?
Softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer,Layering after flowering.
More in the Dianthus genus
- Dianthus 'Activa' (pf)
- Dianthus 'Alanya' (pf)
- Dianthus 'Aldridge Yellow' (b)
- Dianthus 'Alice Forbes Improved' (b)
- Dianthus 'Allen's Maria' (p)
- Dianthus 'Alpine Purple' (pt)
- Dianthus 'Amazon Neon Duo' (Amazon Series)
- Dianthus 'Anders Pretty Penny' (p)