About
An evergreen perennial with grey-green foliage and fully double flowers to around 7cm across, with a white background and fine red markings towards the edge of the petals appearing in the summer.
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
Soil typeLoam, Chalk, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel 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. Stems may require staking. See staking perennials
PruningDeadhead regularly to prolong flowering. Lightly trim after flowering or in spring
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer or by layering after flowering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, a virus and fusarium wilt