Dianthus 'Old Crimson Clove' — perennial

Overview

Dianthus 'Old Crimson Clove' is a perennial in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family. Dianthus 'Old Crimson Clove' 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 'Old Crimson Clove' is a perennial in the carnation family with clove-scented flowers. It blooms from May to September, providing scented colour through the summer months. Plant it in full sun on well-drained soil that is neutral to alkaline, with only moderate moisture. It is hardy (H5) in the UK and suits south-facing, sheltered positions in borders, rock gardens or 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

A member of the genus Dianthus within the Caryophyllaceae, Dianthus 'Old Crimson Clove' carries the traditional clove fragrance associated with many perennial pinks. Flowers appear from May to September, so the plant offers a long season of scented blooms through the warmer months. The combination of scent and repeat flowering makes it a useful summer-flowering perennial where fragrance is wanted. Place plants in full sun on well-drained soil with a neutral to alkaline pH and avoid waterlogged sites; the plant prefers only moderate soil moisture. A south-facing, sheltered aspect reduces exposure to cold winds and helps extend flowering; the cultivar is rated H5, meaning it is hardy in most UK gardens. Give containers a free-draining compost and site them where they receive plenty of sun but some shelter from exposed gusts. Dianthus 'Old Crimson Clove' fits readily into edging and mixed herbaceous borders, into gravel or rock gardens where drainage is good, and in pots on a sunny patio. The clove-scented blooms work well for close-up enjoyment in small-group plantings and for bringing fragrance to confined garden spaces during the May–September flowering window.

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 'Old Crimson Clove' size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dianthus 'Old Crimson Clove'

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