Dianthus 'Purple Emperor' (Carnation) — perennial

Overview

Dianthus 'Purple Emperor' is a perennial in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family. Dianthus 'Purple Emperor' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers.

About

Dianthus 'Purple Emperor' is a perennial Dianthus cultivar notable for its clove-like fragrance. It flowers from May to September. The plant does best in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered site with well-drained sandy or loamy soil of neutral to alkaline pH and moderate moisture. 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

A perennial in the carnation family (Caryophyllaceae), Dianthus 'Purple Emperor' carries the characteristic clove-like scent associated with many Dianthus cultivars and blooms from May to September. Its flowering period gives several months of scented colour in a planting scheme when placed where it receives full sun and shelter. Choose a south-facing, sheltered site on free-draining sandy or loamy soil; neutral to alkaline conditions are preferred. Keep soil moisture moderate rather than waterlogged and avoid heavy, poorly drained ground. In UK hardiness terms the cultivar is rated H5 (hardy), so it will tolerate open garden conditions but performs best where exposure is reduced and roots stay fairly dry through winter. Plant into borders where the fragrance can be enjoyed at close range, tuck into rock gardens where drainage is good, or grow in containers placed against a sunny wall. Regular trimming back of spent flower stems and keeping the plant on well-drained material will help maintain vigour. Expect the clove-like scent to be most noticeable on warm days while the plant is in flower.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dianthus

Sunlight: full sun
Soil type: well-drained, sandy or loamy
Soil pH: neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: moderate
Aspect: south-facing
Exposure: sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Dianthus 'Purple Emperor' size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dianthus 'Purple Emperor'

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