Dianthus 'Dad's Favourite' (Carnation) — perennial

Overview

Dianthus 'Dad's Favourite' is a perennial in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family. Dianthus 'Dad's Favourite' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers.

About

Dianthus 'Dad's Favourite' is a perennial carnation valued for its fragrant blooms. It flowers from May to September. It prefers full sun in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil and a south-facing, sheltered spot. Suitable uses include borders, rock gardens and containers.

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

In the garden

Dianthus 'Dad's Favourite' sits in the Caryophyllaceae family and belongs to the group commonly called carnations or pinks; species in the genus are mainly native to Europe and Asia. As a perennial it produces repeat blooms through the warmer months and is appreciated where scent is wanted close to paths or seating. Place Dianthus 'Dad's Favourite' in full sun on a south-facing site with some shelter from strong winds. It performs best in well-drained soil that is neutral to alkaline and kept at a moderate level of moisture rather than waterlogged. Its UK hardiness rating is H7 (fully hardy), so it will withstand typical British winters provided soil drains freely and the site is not exposed. Use it where its fragrant flowers can be enjoyed: planted in gravel or rock gardens, in the front of mixed borders, or in containers on a sunny patio. Flowering runs from May to September, giving a long season of scented colour that works particularly well near doors, along walkways or beside seating areas.