Dianthus 'Lord Chatham' (Carnation) — perennial

Overview

Dianthus 'Lord Chatham' is a perennial in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family. Dianthus 'Lord Chatham' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers.

About

Dianthus 'Lord Chatham' is a perennial Dianthus cultivar prized for its clove-like fragrance and extended flowering from May to September. It prefers a sunny, south-facing site with some shelter from strong winds. Plant it into well-drained soil that leans neutral to alkaline and keep moisture moderate. Fully hardy (H7) in the UK, it suits borders, rock gardens and containers.

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 'Lord Chatham' is a perennial member of the Dianthus group noted for a clear clove-like scent and a long flowering season running May to September. As a garden cultivar it brings scented blooms through late spring into early autumn when sited correctly. Place plants in full sun on a south-facing aspect where they receive protection from prevailing winds; the cultivar prefers a sheltered exposure. Use a free-draining substrate with a neutral to alkaline pH and avoid waterlogging, keeping soil moisture at a moderate level. The H7 hardiness rating indicates it is fully hardy across UK conditions when planted in a well-drained position. Dianthus 'Lord Chatham' works well in mixed borders, tucked into rock gardens or grown in containers on a sunny patio or ledge. In containers, ensure drainage is good and the pot stands in a sheltered spot to protect blooms from driving rain. Siting it where its clove-like scent can be appreciated—by a path, doorway or seating area—makes the most of this cultivar's chief appeal.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dianthus

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

Plant details

Dianthus 'Lord Chatham' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, rock gardens, containers
Fragrance: clove-like

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dianthus 'Lord Chatham'

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; avoid waterlogging; deadhead spent flowers to encourage blooming.
Pruning: Trim back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Propagation: cuttings, division