About
A dwarf, evergreen perennial with narrow, grey-green leaves, creating a spreading mat with multi-flowered stems to 15cm in height. The highly-scented, bicolour flowers, to 5cm wide, are saucer-shaped with fringed petals, 5cm wide, in a range of colours from white, through pale-pink to dark-magenta pink. Flower centres are of a contrasting, darker shade of pink to the main petal.
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 pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden, Coastal, Patio 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 in a well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Prefers a soil enriched with well-rotted manure or garden compost and an application of a balanced fertiliser in spring
PruningDeadhead regularly to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in spring, or by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer or by layering after flowering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, a virus and fusarium wilt