Overview
Dianthus deltoides is a matforming alpine rockery 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 deltoides grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants and rock garden. It is native to Europe to Siberia.
About
This evergreen perennial creates a dense mat of green leaves and produces clusters of flowers in shades of cerise, deep crimson, pink, or white, each measuring about 18 mm in diameter. The flower stalks reach a height of up to 20 cm.
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, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Dianthus deltoides size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 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, Rock garden
- Native to
- Europe to Siberia
- 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 deltoides
- Cultivation
- Grow in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Well-suited to a rock garden or the edge of a border
- Pruning
- Deadhead as required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- 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 deltoides?
Grow in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Well-suited to a rock garden or the edge of a border.
Where is the best place to plant Dianthus deltoides?
Dianthus deltoides prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Dianthus deltoides need?
Dianthus deltoides 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 deltoides?
Deadhead as required.
How big does Dianthus deltoides grow?
Dianthus deltoides 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 deltoides hardy in the UK?
Dianthus deltoides has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Dianthus deltoides?
Propagate by seed.
Is Dianthus deltoides 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.