Dianthus petraeus
An evergreen perennial which forms cushions to 10cm high, of grey-green narrow leaves. In summer it has white flowers with five petals which may be smooth-edged, toothed or deeply fringed and are sweetly scented
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Grey Silver Green | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver Green | |||
| Winter | Grey Silver Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted, Matforming
- 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
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any well-drained soil, ideally slightly alkaline, in good light
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in spring, or by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, a virus and fusarium wilt
Get involved
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