About
An evergreen perennial with grey-green leaves. This carnation has creamy-white double flowers, with a spicy, clove-like fragrance.
About the genus
Dianthus can be annuals, evergreen perennials or subshrubs with narrow, often greyish leaves and showy flowers that are frequently fragrant
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
FragranceFlower
ToxicityHumans/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
CultivationGrow in containers in a peat-free compost with added perlite. When buds appear, feed with a high potassium liquid feed. Perpetual flowering carnations are often grown under glass all year but can be placed outside in summer. Stems will require staking. See staking perennials
PruningDeadhead regularly to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by cuttings taken from non-flowering stems; early spring is a good time to do this but cuttings can be taken any time from late winter through to late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, a virus and fusarium wilt