Dianthus 'Highland Queen' — perennial

Overview

Dianthus 'Highland Queen' is a perennial in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family. Dianthus 'Highland Queen' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock gardens, borders and containers.

About

Dianthus 'Highland Queen' is a perennial Dianthus noted for its fragrant flowers. It blooms from May to September and suits a sunny, sheltered spot. Plant in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil with only moderate moisture. Its recommended uses include rock gardens, borders and containers.

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 Queen' belongs to the genus Dianthus in the Caryophyllaceae family and is grown as a perennial for its scented blooms. Flowering runs from May to September, providing an extended season of fragrance that can be appreciated at close range. The scent is a defining feature to consider when siting the plant. Give Dianthus 'Highland Queen' full sun and a sheltered aspect. It prefers well-drained soil of neutral to alkaline reaction and will tolerate only moderate soil moisture rather than waterlogged conditions. The plant carries a UK hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is classed as hardy in UK conditions but benefits from a reasonably protected position. Use it in rock gardens, mixed borders or in containers where its fragrant flowers can be enjoyed. Its combination of summer-long flowering and scented blooms makes it appropriate for front-of-border planting or pots placed where the scent can be noticed when moving around the garden.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dianthus

Sunlight: full sun
Soil type: well-drained
Soil pH: neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: moderate
Exposure: sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Dianthus 'Highland Queen' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: rock gardens, borders, containers
Fragrance: fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dianthus 'Highland Queen'

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; avoid waterlogging.
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back after flowering.
Propagation: cuttings, division