Dianthus 'Hot Spice' (p)

RHS Plant Profile
pink 'Hot Spice'

Synonyms

Dianthus 'Redstart'

Herbaceous Perennial

An evergreen short-lived perennial which forms mounds of grey-green narrow leaves reaching 20cm. In summer it has long-stemmed double rose-pink flowers with a deep pink base. They are very sweetly scented

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
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
Accepted
Horticultural Group
Pinks are hardy, evergreen perennials which make compact mounds or mats of usually greyish leaves, with up to six, usually fragrant, single or double, medium-sized flowers per stem in early and mid-summer

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil, ideally slightly alkaline, in good light

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Bedding
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and aphids

Diseases

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