Overview
Dianthus 'Fair Maid of Kent' is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Dianthus 'Fair Maid of Kent' 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 'Fair Maid of Kent' is a bushy, evergreen herbaceous perennial cultivar within the Dianthus genus, known for its slender foliage and aromatic flowers. It thrives in full sun and is adaptable to a variety of soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, provided they are well-drained. Suitable for a range of garden settings such as gravel gardens, coastal areas, and city courtyards, it offers seasonal interest in spring and summer. This hardy cultivar is ideal for flower borders, rock gardens, and container planting, and can be propagated by softwood cuttings or layering.
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 'Fair Maid of Kent' 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 'Fair Maid of Kent'
- 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 'Fair Maid of Kent'?
Dianthus 'Fair Maid of Kent' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Dianthus 'Fair Maid of Kent' need?
Dianthus 'Fair Maid of Kent' 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 'Fair Maid of Kent' hardy in the UK?
Dianthus 'Fair Maid of Kent' 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 'Fair Maid of Kent'?
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)