Overview
Dianthus giganteus is a bushy perennial in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1 metres tall. Dianthus giganteus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens, containers and cut flowers. It is native to Bulgaria, East Aegean Is., Greece, NW. Balkan Pen., Romania and Türkiye-in-Europe.
About
Dianthus giganteus, the giant pink, is a species of pink native to Romania, the Balkan peninsula, and possibly nearby areas. A perennial with flowerheads reaching 1 m, it is useful in gardening and landscaping applications where a backdrop of taller plants is needed.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dianthus giganteus
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dianthus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Dianthus giganteus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1 metres
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Rock gardens, Containers, Cut flowers
- Native to
- Bulgaria, East Aegean Is., Greece, NW. Balkan Pen., Romania, Türkiye-in-Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dianthus giganteus
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew, Rust, Fusarium wilt
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dianthus giganteus?
Dianthus giganteus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dianthus giganteus need?
Dianthus giganteus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Dianthus giganteus grow?
Dianthus giganteus reaches a height of 1 metres.
Is Dianthus giganteus hardy in the UK?
Dianthus giganteus 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 giganteus?
Softwood cuttings.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- On YellowA new RHS colour survey suggests yellow is back in fashion. But from Dixter’s giant fennel to Sissinghurst’s Cottage Garden, it never went anywhere.
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- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
More in the Dianthus genus
- Dianthus 'Coronation'Carnation
- Dianthus 'Mrs Sinkins'
- Dianthus 'Thomas'Carnation
- Dianthus caryophyllusborder carnation
- Dianthus caryophyllus 'Wesever'PBRCarnation
- Dianthus fruticosus subsp. carpathus
- Dianthus plumariusclove pink
- Dianthus sp. (coll. Romania)
