About
A half-hardy evergreen perennial with narrow, blue-green foliage and large, fully double, scented pink flowers. Can flower all year round under glass.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
FragranceFlower
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
CultivationGrow under glass in a cool greenhouse or conservatory (min 10°C), in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost, in bright filtered light with good ventilation. In winter provide low humidity and full light. When in growth water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 10 days
PruningGradually remove lower buds to produce larger flowers at the crown. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings taken from non-flowering shoots in late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, a virus and fusarium wilt