About

An evergreen perennial which forms low cushions to 5cm tall, of grey-green narrow leaves. In spring and summer it has lots of pink flowers with five toothed petals.

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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitTufted, Matforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Gravel garden, Rock garden, Patio and container plants
Native toBulgaria to NE Greece
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 any well-drained soil, ideally slightly alkaline, in good light
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in spring, or by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, a virus and fusarium wilt