About
An evergreen perennial to about 70cm, grown under glass for cutting, and flowering sporadically throughout the year. Foliage is grey-green, relatively broad, and curled; double flowers are white with pink streaks, and strongly scented.
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 typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesBedding displays, containers, gap filling.
FragranceFlower
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 under glass at 7 to 10°C in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright filtered light with good ventilation. In winter provide low humidity and full light. When in growth water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 10 days
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, a virus and fusarium wilt