Overview
Dianthus 'Elfin Star' (p) is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Dianthus 'Elfin Star' (p) grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include gravel garden, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, low maintenance, wall side borders, banks and slopes, cut flowers, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Dianthus 'Elfin Star' is a bushy, evergreen herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Dianthus, known for its slender foliage and aromatic flowers. This cultivar thrives in full sun and can be grown in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, provided they are well-drained. It is hardy to UK zone H6 and is suitable for diverse garden settings such as gravel gardens, coastal areas, and patios. 'Elfin Star' can be propagated by softwood cuttings in summer or layering after flowering and is valued for its interest throughout all seasons.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dianthus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Dianthus 'Elfin Star' (p) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Low Maintenance, Wall side borders, Banks and slopes, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dianthus 'Elfin Star' (p)
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer,Layering after flowering
- Pest resistance
- Slugs,Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews,Rust,Fusarium wilt
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dianthus 'Elfin Star' (p)?
Dianthus 'Elfin Star' (p) prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Dianthus 'Elfin Star' (p) need?
Dianthus 'Elfin Star' (p) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
Is Dianthus 'Elfin Star' (p) hardy in the UK?
Dianthus 'Elfin Star' (p) has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Dianthus 'Elfin Star' (p)?
Softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer,Layering after flowering.
More in the Dianthus genus
- Dianthus 'Activa' (pf)
- Dianthus 'Alanya' (pf)
- Dianthus 'Aldridge Yellow' (b)
- Dianthus 'Alice Forbes Improved' (b)
- Dianthus 'Allen's Maria' (p)
- Dianthus 'Alpine Purple' (pt)
- Dianthus 'Amazon Neon Duo' (Amazon Series)
- Dianthus 'Anders Pretty Penny' (p)