Overview
Dianthus 'Highland Fraser' is a perennial in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family. Dianthus 'Highland Fraser' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock gardens and borders.
About
Dianthus 'Highland Fraser' is a fragrant perennial in the genus Dianthus, flowering from May to September. It favours full sun and well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil with only moderate moisture. Plant in a south-facing, sheltered position; it is rated H5 (hardy) for UK gardens. Suited to rock gardens and borders where its scented blooms can be enjoyed close to paths or seating.
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
Dianthus 'Highland Fraser' is a perennial member of the Caryophyllaceae that produces scented flowers through the British summer, from May to September. The fragrance is a defining feature and makes this Dianthus a good choice where scent matters, such as beside a path or near a seating area. For successful growth choose a sunny, south-facing site with well-drained soil that is neutral to alkaline in reaction. It prefers moderate soil moisture and will not tolerate prolonged waterlogging; a sheltered aspect reduces winter exposure and helps flower buds set. The plant is rated H5 (hardy), so it withstands ordinary UK winters when sited with some protection from driving winds. Cut back spent flowering stems to tidy growth and encourage another flush of lateral shoots. Typical uses are rock gardens and borders, where the combination of scent and long flowering period makes Dianthus 'Highland Fraser' effective at the front of a border or in a gritty gravel pocket in a rock garden. Position it where the fragrance can be appreciated during its May to September display.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dianthus
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Dianthus 'Highland Fraser' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, borders
- Fragrance
- fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dianthus 'Highland Fraser'
- Cultivation
- requires well-drained soil, avoid waterlogging
- Pruning
- deadhead spent flowers to encourage blooming
- Propagation
- cuttings, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Dianthus 'Highland Fraser'?
Requires well-drained soil, avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Dianthus 'Highland Fraser'?
Dianthus 'Highland Fraser' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dianthus 'Highland Fraser' need?
Dianthus 'Highland Fraser' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Dianthus 'Highland Fraser'?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage blooming.
Is Dianthus 'Highland Fraser' hardy in the UK?
Dianthus 'Highland Fraser' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Dianthus 'Highland Fraser'?
Cuttings, division.
More in the Dianthus genus
- Dianthus 'Coronation'Carnation
- Dianthus 'Mrs Sinkins'
- Dianthus 'Thomas'Carnation
- Dianthus caryophyllus 'Wesever'PBRCarnation
- Dianthus fruticosus subsp. carpathus
- Dianthus sp. (coll. Romania)
- Dianthus 'Bat's Double Red'
- Dianthus 'Brympton Red'Pink