Dianthus 'Inchmery' (Carnations) — Matforming, Bushy, Clump forming, Columnar upright

Overview

Dianthus 'Inchmery' is a matforming, bushy, clump forming, columnar upright perennial in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Dianthus 'Inchmery' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include rock gardens, borders and edging.

About

Dianthus 'Inchmery' is a perennial Dianthus selected for its fragrant flowering habit. It flowers from May to September and suits sites in full sun on well-drained, sandy or loamy soils. Give it a south-facing, sheltered position and neutral to alkaline soil to perform best. The plant tolerates moderate soil moisture and is fully hardy in the UK (H7).

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 'Inchmery' belongs to the long-established Dianthus group, a genus with roots across Europe and Asia where many perennial pinks are valued for their scent. As a perennial, 'Inchmery' produces repeat blooms through the season and is noted for its fragrance rather than for large vigour or dense foliage. Plant where it will receive full sun on a south-facing spot and avoid heavy, waterlogged ground; sandy or loamy, well-drained soils suit it best. Aim for a neutral to alkaline pH and keep soil moisture moderate rather than wet. Although rated H7 (fully hardy), choose a sheltered position to protect open flowers from driving winds and to keep flowering stems intact. Use Dianthus 'Inchmery' at the front of a mixed border, as a low edging, or tucked into a rock garden where drainage is good. Its scented blooms make it a useful plant for short vase displays and for adding scent to paths and seating areas where you pass close to the plants. Trim spent stems after a heavy flush to tidy the clump and encourage further flowering from May to September.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dianthus

Sunlight: full sun
Soil type: well-drained, sandy or loamy
Soil pH: neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: moderate
Aspect: south-facing
Exposure: sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Dianthus 'Inchmery' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Habit: Matforming, Bushy, Clump forming, Columnar upright
Foliage: Evergreen
Suggested uses: rock gardens, borders, edging
Fragrance: fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dianthus 'Inchmery'

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; avoid waterlogging.
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
Propagation: division, cuttings
Pest resistance: Slugs, Aphids
Disease resistance: Powdery mildews, Rust, Fusarium wilt