About
Bushy short-lived perennial to 28cm tall, grown as an annual or biennial with lime green leaves, and in summer bears profuse terminal clusters of small white flowers with fringed petals, flecked pink with pink centres and strong purple-red eyes.
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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen, Semi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Hanging basket, Patio and container plants
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 well-drained neutral to alkaline soils in full sun
PruningDeadhead after flowers fade to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed in early spring or propagate by softwood cuttings from non-flowering shoots in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust, virus diseases and Fusarium wilt