Dianthus 'Duchess of Westminster' (M)

Herbaceous Perennial

An evergreen perennial with thick robust grass like blue-green leaves. An heirloom cultivar with scent large flowers, that are fully double and ruffled, light salmon pink which fade to pale pink. The Malmaison carnation can struggle with a cold and wet winter, growing in a container will make it easier to move to a warmer location over winter, where you could keep it flowering if you wish. This lovely pink is also Verticilum wilt resistant

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

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
Matforming
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
Malmaison carnations are a heritage variety, originating from France, recognised for their large, clove-scented pale pink, frilly flowers

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Plants will benefit from being divided about every five years

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer (Dianthus cuttings are known as pipings) or by layering after flowering or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

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