Dianthus 'Gaiety' (p) — Bushy

Overview

Dianthus 'Gaiety' (p) is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Dianthus 'Gaiety' (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 'Gaiety' is an evergreen herbaceous perennial in the Caryophyllaceae with a compact, well-branched habit and a long flowering season from May to September. It favours full sun and reliably performs in free-draining soils such as chalk, loam or sand. The plant tolerates a wide soil pH range and suits exposed as well as sheltered positions. Use it where persistent foliage and an extended floral display are wanted.

About the genus

Dianthus is a genus of about 340 species of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae, native mainly to Europe and Asia, with a few species in northern and southern Africa, and one species (D. repens) in arctic North America. Common names include carnation (D.

Wikipedia contributors, "Dianthus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dianthus

In the garden

A cultivar within the Dianthus genus, Dianthus 'Gaiety' behaves as an evergreen herbaceous perennial with a multi-stemmed, well-branched form. It flowers from May to September and belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae. Rated H6, it is very hardy in UK gardens and will withstand typical winter conditions without special protection. Siting and soil are straightforward: place it in full sun on well-drained substrates such as chalk, loam or sand. It tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline pH, and will grow equally well on south-, west- or east-facing exposures. Both exposed and sheltered locations are suitable, provided drainage is good; waterlogged ground should be avoided. Dianthus 'Gaiety' fits many uses — gravel and rock gardens, coastal plots, wall-side borders, banks and slopes, patios and containers, and as underplanting for roses and shrubs. It also works in courtyard or city gardens and provides stems for cutting. To keep the plant compact, remove finished flower stems during the season and trim back as growth softens in autumn to maintain the evergreen mound through winter.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dianthus

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Dianthus 'Gaiety' (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 'Gaiety' (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 'Gaiety' (p)?

Dianthus 'Gaiety' (p) prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Dianthus 'Gaiety' (p) need?

Dianthus 'Gaiety' (p) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Dianthus 'Gaiety' (p) hardy in the UK?

Dianthus 'Gaiety' (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 'Gaiety' (p)?

Softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer,Layering after flowering.

More in the Dianthus genus

Browse all Dianthus →