About

An evergreen, mound-forming perennial to 30cm high with narrow grey-green leaves. perfumed, double, pink flowers are borne over a long season.

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, Chalk, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
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 full sun in well-drained soil, preferably neutral to alkaline soil but will tolerate slightly acid soil
PruningDeadhead regularly to prolong flowering. Lightly trim after flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, a virus and fusarium wilt