Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple Red | Green | ||
| Winter | Purple Red | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/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
- Genus
Dianthus can be annuals, evergreen perennials or subshrubs with narrow, often greyish leaves and showy flowers that are frequently fragrant
- Name status
Accepted
- Horticultural Group
- Perpetual flowering carnations are half-hardy evergreen perennials grown under glass for cut flowers and for exhibition. Given temperatures above 10 degrees, they can flower all year round, the blooms to 10cm across, sometimes scented
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass at 7 to 10°C in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright filtered light with good ventilation. In winter provide low humidity and full light. When in growth water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 10 days
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in late winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering and promote a compact habit
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, a virus and fusarium wilt
Get involved
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