Dianthus pavonius

RHS Plant Profile

grass rose pink

RHS

Other common names

peacock pink

Synonyms

Dianthus neglectus misapplied

Alpine Rockery Herbaceous Perennial

A cushion-forming evergreen perennial with green or slightly greyish leaves and 10cm stems bearing 1-3 flowers, 2cm wide, with pale or deep pink petals, buff on reverse

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0-0.1 metre
Max Height: Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H7

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy
Potentially harmful: Humans/Pets: Skin allergenwear 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: Correct
Plant Range: SW Alps

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained neutral to acid soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame from autumn to early spring. Take semi-ripe cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer but these can usually be rooted any time of the year

Suggested planting locations and garden types

City and courtyard gardens
Gravel garden
Rock garden
Coastal
Cottage and informal garden
Patio and container plants
Banks and slopes
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and aphids

Diseases

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