Overview

Dianthus 'Tropic Butterfly' (p) is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Dianthus 'Tropic Butterfly' (p) grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include gravel garden, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, low maintenance, wall side borders, banks and slopes, cut flowers, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs.

About

Dianthus 'Tropic Butterfly' is a bushy evergreen cultivar within the Dianthus genus, known for its slender foliage and prominent flowers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils such as chalk, loam, or sand, tolerating a range of soil pH from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H6, it suits various garden settings including gravel gardens, courtyards, coastal areas, and rock gardens. This cultivar is versatile for use in borders, containers, and as cut flowers, with interest throughout all seasons. Cultivation involves growing under glass in loam-based compost with stem support, and propagation is by softwood cuttings or layering.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dianthus

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Dianthus 'Tropic Butterfly' (p) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Suggested uses
Gravel garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Low Maintenance, Wall side borders, Banks and slopes, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dianthus 'Tropic Butterfly' (p)

Propagation
Softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer,Layering after flowering
Pest resistance
Slugs,Aphids
Disease resistance
Powdery mildews,Rust,Fusarium wilt

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Dianthus 'Tropic Butterfly' (p)?

Dianthus 'Tropic Butterfly' (p) prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Dianthus 'Tropic Butterfly' (p) need?

Dianthus 'Tropic Butterfly' (p) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Dianthus 'Tropic Butterfly' (p) hardy in the UK?

Dianthus 'Tropic Butterfly' (p) has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Dianthus 'Tropic Butterfly' (p)?

Softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer,Layering after flowering.

More in the Dianthus genus

Browse all Dianthus