Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Conservatory GreenhouseHerbaceous Perennial

Dianthus Viana ('Kovian'PBR) (pf)
  • RHS AGM

perpetual-flowering carnation [Viana]

A perpetual-flowering, perennial carnation that produces cream flowers, flecked and edged with dark red

Synonyms
Dianthus caryophyllus 'Kovian'PBR
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Cream Red Green Grey Silver
Summer Cream Red Green Grey Silver
Autumn Cream Red Green Grey Silver
Winter Cream Red Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Skin allergen, wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Dianthus can be annuals, evergreen perennials or subshrubs with narrow, often greyish leaves and showy flowers that are frequently fragrant

Name status

Trade

Horticultural Group
Perpetual flowering carnations are half-hardy evergreen perennials grown under glass for cut flowers and for exhibition. Given temperatures above 10°C, 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 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. Disbud for large flowers

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 or pick flowers regularly

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, a virus and fusarium wilt

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.