About
An alpine, cushion-forming herbaceous perennial, up to 10cm high, with silvery grey-green leaves, up to 2cm long, and single, rose-pink flowers, 1.5cm across, in late spring and early summer.
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, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Rock garden
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 full sun in moist but very well-drained, gritty, neutral or acidic soil (unlike many other species & cultivars, which prefer alkaline soil), in a rock garden, a sink or trough, or an alpine house; protect outdoor plants from damp in winter, for example with a propped pane of glass
PruningNo pruning required, but deadheading may prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by cuttings from non-flowering shoots in summer, by layering, or by division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, a virus and fusarium wilt