Dianthus 'Mrs Sinkins' — Matforming, Bushy, Clump forming, Columnar upright

Overview

Dianthus 'Mrs Sinkins' is a matforming, bushy, clump forming, columnar upright perennial in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Dianthus 'Mrs Sinkins' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers.

About

Dianthus 'Mrs Sinkins' is a perennial Dianthus notable for its fragrant flowers. It blooms from May to September. Plant where it receives full sun in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil and provide a south-facing, sheltered aspect. 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 'Mrs Sinkins' belongs to the Dianthus group of the Caryophyllaceae and, like many members of the genus, has a long flowering season and a pronounced scent. The wider genus originates mainly from Europe and Asia; cultivars such as 'Mrs Sinkins' carry that heritage into garden borders and containers across the UK. Flowering occurs from May to September, making it useful for summer colour and continuous scent through the warmer months. Choose a site with full sun on well-drained soil of neutral to alkaline reaction and avoid waterlogged positions. A south-facing, sheltered spot reduces winter wet and wind exposure; the plant's H5 hardiness rating means it is classed as hardy in British gardens, tolerating typical UK winters when given good drainage. Keep soil moisture moderate rather than persistently wet; in heavy soils lift the rootball onto a raised bed or mix in grit to improve drainage. Dianthus 'Mrs Sinkins' works well at the front of mixed borders, in gravel or rock gardens where drainage is good, and in containers on patios or terraces. The fragrant blooms make it worth placing near paths or seating areas so their scent can be appreciated between May and September.

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: H5

Plant details

Dianthus 'Mrs Sinkins' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Habit: Matforming, Bushy, Clump forming, Columnar upright
Foliage: Evergreen
Suggested uses: borders, rock gardens, containers
Fragrance: fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dianthus 'Mrs Sinkins'

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; avoid waterlogging; deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming.
Pruning: Trim back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Propagation: cuttings, division
Pest resistance: Slugs, Aphids
Disease resistance: Powdery mildews, Rust, Fusarium wilt