Dianthus plumarius (clove pink) — Perennial

Overview

Dianthus plumarius is a perennial in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Dianthus plumarius grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and edging. It is native to C & S Europe.

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 plumarius originates from central and southern Europe and belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It produces clusters of fringed pink flowers with a distinctive clove fragrance through the main season, May to September, and typically makes short flowering stems to around 0.4 m. Position the plant in full sun on a sunny aspect. It tolerates a range of soils—sandy, loamy or clay—provided they drain; moist but well-drained conditions suit it best. Soil pH leans neutral to alkaline. Hardiness is H7, meaning it is fully hardy in UK gardens (USDA zones 4–9). Avoid waterlogging and give a free-draining, sunny site for the best flowering. Use Dianthus plumarius at the front of mixed borders, as an edging plant or in rock gardens where its compact habit and scented blooms can be close to paths and seating. Note the flowers are fragrant and the foliage is narrow; people who handle the plant should wear protective gloves because it can be a skin allergen. Mature plants normally stand at about 0.4 m tall.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dianthus

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil pH: Neutral, Alkaline
Soil moisture: Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Aspect: Sunny
Exposure: Full sun
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Dianthus plumarius size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Height: 0.4 m
Suggested uses: Borders, Rock gardens, Edging
Native to: C & S Europe
Fragrance: Flower
Toxicity: Humans/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

Pruning and caring for Dianthus plumarius

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; deadhead to prolong flowering
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth
Propagation: Seed, Cuttings

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Dianthus plumarius?

Prefers well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; deadhead to prolong flowering.

Where is the best place to plant Dianthus plumarius?

Dianthus plumarius prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Dianthus plumarius need?

Dianthus plumarius is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Dianthus plumarius?

Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

How big does Dianthus plumarius grow?

Dianthus plumarius reaches a height of 0.4 m.

Is Dianthus plumarius hardy in the UK?

Dianthus plumarius has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Dianthus plumarius?

Seed, Cuttings.

Is Dianthus plumarius toxic?

Humans/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.

From the Fenn Plants journal

More in the Dianthus genus

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