About
Produces masses of velvety, semi double blooms of rich red, the petals finely serrated with a defining white edge. An evergreen perennial with silvery blue leaves, 20-25cm in height and with a spread of 30-60cm. A very versatile ground cover that can reflower in autumn if you shear off the flowers soon after the summer flowering.
About the genus
Dianthus can be annuals, evergreen perennials or subshrubs with narrow, often greyish leaves and showy flowers that are frequently fragrant
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
ToxicityHumans/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
CultivationGrow in a well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Plants will benefit from being divided about every five years
PruningDeadhead regularly to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer (Dianthus cuttings are known as pipings) or by layering after flowering or by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, a virus and fusarium wilt