Overview

Dianthus 'Kathleen Sharpe' (b) is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Dianthus 'Kathleen Sharpe' (b) grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include gravel garden, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, low maintenance, wall side borders, banks and slopes, cut flowers, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs.

About

Dianthus 'Kathleen Sharpe' is a bushy evergreen perennial cultivar within the Dianthus genus, known for its slender foliage and aromatic flowers. It thrives in full sun and is suitable for a variety of garden settings including gravel gardens, courtyards, and coastal areas. This cultivar prefers well-drained soil that can be chalk, loam, or sand with a neutral to alkaline pH. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is ideal for low-maintenance planting in flower borders, rock gardens, and as underplanting for roses and shrubs, offering summer interest with its blooms.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dianthus

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Dianthus 'Kathleen Sharpe' (b) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Suggested uses
Gravel garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Low Maintenance, Wall side borders, Banks and slopes, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dianthus 'Kathleen Sharpe' (b)

Propagation
Softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer,Layering after flowering
Pest resistance
Slugs,Aphids
Disease resistance
Powdery mildews,Rust,Fusarium wilt

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Dianthus 'Kathleen Sharpe' (b)?

Dianthus 'Kathleen Sharpe' (b) prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Dianthus 'Kathleen Sharpe' (b) need?

Dianthus 'Kathleen Sharpe' (b) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Dianthus 'Kathleen Sharpe' (b) hardy in the UK?

Dianthus 'Kathleen Sharpe' (b) 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 'Kathleen Sharpe' (b)?

Softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer,Layering after flowering.

More in the Dianthus genus

Browse all Dianthus