About
Evergreen, compact, mound-forming perennial to 30cm high with narrow grey-green leaves and scented, double, deep reddish-pink flowers freely borne above the leaves through 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 pHNeutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
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 in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun
PruningDeadhead regularly to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, tortrix moth caterpillars, thrips and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, a virus and fusarium wilt