Dianthus cruentus (blood pink) — Clump forming

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 H6. 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 Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Iran, NW. Balkan Pen., Transcaucasus, Türkiye and Türkiye-in-Europe.

About

Dianthus cruentus, commonly known as blood pink, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. This evergreen plant grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. It thrives in full sun, favouring south- or west-facing aspects, and can tolerate both exposed and sheltered conditions. Dianthus cruentus prefers well-drained chalk, loam, or sand soils with an alkaline to neutral pH, and it provides interest during the summer and winter seasons.

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, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

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: Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Native to: Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Iran, NW. Balkan Pen., Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dianthus cruentus

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

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.