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 H6. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, cut flowers and flower borders and beds. It is native to Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
About
Dianthus carthusianorum, commonly known as Carthusian pink, is a species of Dianthus, native to Europe, from Spain north to Belgium and Poland, and east to Ukraine, occurring in dry, grassy habitats at altitudes of up to 2,500 m (8,200 ft) in mountains. It is a variable herbaceous perennial plant growing to 60 cm (24 in) tall. The leaves are slender, green to slightly glaucous greyish-green, up to 7 cm (2.8 in) long and 5 mm (0.20 in) broad. The flowers are 18–20 mm (0.71–0.79 in) wide, dark pink to purple, occasionally white; they are produced several together in tight flowerhead. It grows to around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dianthus carthusianorum
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
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
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
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dianthus carthusianorum
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates alkaline and neutral pH; suitable for chalk, loam, and sand soils; grows well in dry, grassy habitats and rocky places.
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape and vigor.
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer, Layering after flowering, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Rust, Fusarium wilt
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Dianthus carthusianorum?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates alkaline and neutral pH; suitable for chalk, loam, and sand soils; grows well in dry, grassy habitats and rocky places.
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 spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape and vigor.
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 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 carthusianorum?
Softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer, Layering after flowering, Division in spring.
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
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