About
Dianthus plumarius, the clove pink, is an evergreen perennial with blue-green, spreading, mat-forming foliage. From late spring, upright flower stems carry modest, highly-scented, broadly-open flowers with fringed petals in a range of colours from deep red through pink to white, including bicolours. One of the most fragrant and enduring cottage-garden pinks.
About the genus
Dianthus, the pinks and carnations, are annuals, evergreen perennials and subshrubs with narrow, often grey or blue-green leaves and showy, frequently fragrant flowers with fringed or toothed petals in white, pink, red or purple. Among the most beloved of all cottage-garden plants.
Plant details
Suggested usesRock gardens, borders, wildflower meadows
Care notes
CultivationWell-drained, often alkaline soil in full sun
PruningDeadhead or shear after flowering
PropagationSeed, division, or cuttings depending on species
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceRust occasionally