About
A dense, mat-forming evergreen perennial, to 5cm tall, with lime green leaves to 5mm long. Profuse, single deep-pink flowers with a pale eye are borne above the leaves in 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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Gravel garden, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toYugoslavia; Greece
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
CultivationPrefers well-drained neutral to alkaline soils in full sun and benefit from the sharp drainage of a raised bed, wall, trough or rock garden
PruningDeadhead the flowers to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame from autumn to spring or propagate by semi-ripe cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, a virus and fusarium wilt