Overview
Dianthus carthusianorum is a bushy herbaceous perennial 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 2-5 years. Dianthus carthusianorum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include gravel garden, prairie planting, coastal, cottage and informal garden and patio and container plants. It is native to Europe.
About
Dianthus carthusianorum is a versatile evergreen perennial that can grow upright or with a more relaxed posture, reaching heights of 50 cm or more from a woody foundation. The foliage consists of narrow, dark green leaves that are abundant at the base and arranged in pairs along the flowering stems. The flowers are numerous and form dense clusters at the tips of the stems, emerging from tough bracts. Typically, the blooms are a reddish magenta color and appear throughout the summer months.
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
- South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Dianthus carthusianorum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, Prairie planting, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- Europe
- Fragrance
- Flower
- 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 carthusianorum
- Cultivation
- Grow in a well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Prefers a soil enriched with well-rotted manure or garden compost and an application of a balanced fertiliser in spring
- Pruning
- Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer or by layering after flowering
- 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 carthusianorum?
Grow in a well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Prefers a soil enriched with well-rotted manure or garden compost and an application of a balanced fertiliser in spring.
Where is the best place to plant Dianthus carthusianorum?
Dianthus carthusianorum prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Dianthus carthusianorum need?
Dianthus carthusianorum 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 carthusianorum?
Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering.
How big does Dianthus carthusianorum grow?
Dianthus carthusianorum reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Dianthus carthusianorum hardy in the UK?
Dianthus carthusianorum has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Dianthus carthusianorum?
Propagate by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer or by layering after flowering.
Is Dianthus carthusianorum 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.