Overview
Dianthus 'Mars' (p) is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Dianthus 'Mars' (p) 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 'Mars' is a bushy, evergreen cultivar of the Dianthus genus, which includes annuals, evergreen perennials, and subshrubs known for their slender foliage and aromatic flowers. This cultivar thrives in full sun and well-drained soils such as chalk, loam, or sand, tolerating a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H6, it suits various garden settings including gravel gardens, courtyards, coastal areas, and rock gardens. 'Mars' can be grown under glass in loam-based compost and propagated by softwood cuttings or layering, offering seasonal interest throughout spring to winter.
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 'Mars' (p) 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 'Mars' (p)
- 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 'Mars' (p)?
Dianthus 'Mars' (p) prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Dianthus 'Mars' (p) need?
Dianthus 'Mars' (p) 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 'Mars' (p) hardy in the UK?
Dianthus 'Mars' (p) 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 'Mars' (p)?
Softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer,Layering after flowering.
More in the Dianthus genus
- Dianthus 'Activa' (pf)
- Dianthus 'Alanya' (pf)
- Dianthus 'Aldridge Yellow' (b)
- Dianthus 'Alice Forbes Improved' (b)
- Dianthus 'Allen's Maria' (p)
- Dianthus 'Alpine Purple' (pt)
- Dianthus 'Amazon Neon Duo' (Amazon Series)
- Dianthus 'Anders Pretty Penny' (p)