Dianthus gratianopolitanus

Sunset

Dianthus 'Telstar'

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Zones A2, A3, 1-24, 30-45, H1

Full, Partial

Moderate

Cheddar Pink
Caryophyllaceae
Perennials

DIANTHUS

Over 300 species and extremely large number of hybrids. Most kinds form attractive evergreen mats or tufts of grasslike green, gray-green, blue-green, or grayblue leaves. Single, semidouble, or double flowers in white and shades of pink, rose, red, yellow, and orange; many have rich, spicy fragrance. Main bloom period for most is spring into early summer; some kinds rebloom later in season or keep going into fall if faded flowers are removed. All kinds of dianthus thrive in light, fast-draining soil.

Dianthus gratianopolitanus

From Europe. Neat, ground-hugging, foot-wide mat of blue-gray foliage. Stems 6–10 in. high bear small, typically pink to rose, single blossoms (less than an inch across) that are very fragrant. Bloom season lasts from spring to fall if plants are deadheaded regularly. Effective as ground cover or edging or in rock garden.