Dianthus plumarius

RHS Plant Profile
clove pink
clove pink RHS

Other common names

cottage pink, feathered pink, garden pink, grass pink, Indian eye, Mary's pink, mother of all pinks, pheasant's eye, pink, Scotch pink

Herbaceous Perennial

An evergreen perennial with grey-green foliage creating a spreading mat. From late spring, upright flower stems carry small sprays of highly-scented, saucer-shaped flowers with fringed petals in a range of colours from deep red through pink to white, including bicolours

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
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Drought Resistance
Yes

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 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
C & S Europe

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Prefers a soil enriched with well-rotted manure or garden compost and an application of a balanced fertiliser in spring

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in spring, or by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer or by layering after flowering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Cut flowers
  • Garden edging
  • Ground cover
  • Banks and slopes
  • 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