Overview
Dianthus cruentus is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Dianthus cruentus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden and patio and container plants. It is native to SE Europe to Iran.
About
Dianthus cruentus is a semi-evergreen perennial that reaches a height of up to 60 cm. It features slender, grass-like leaves in a blue-green hue. From early to late summer, the plant produces compact clusters of deep red flowers atop delicate, upright stems.
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, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Dianthus cruentus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- SE Europe to Iran
- 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 cruentus
- Cultivation
- Grow in a well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Will not tolerate winter wet
- Pruning
- Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering and trim overwintered shoots in spring to keep tidy
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer
- 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 cruentus?
Grow in a well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Will not tolerate winter wet.
Where is the best place to plant Dianthus cruentus?
Dianthus cruentus prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Dianthus cruentus need?
Dianthus cruentus 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 cruentus?
Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering and trim overwintered shoots in spring to keep tidy.
How big does Dianthus cruentus grow?
Dianthus cruentus reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Dianthus cruentus hardy in the UK?
Dianthus cruentus has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Dianthus cruentus?
Propagate by seed or by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer.
Is Dianthus cruentus 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.