Dianthus plumarius
clove pink
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
Other common names
cottage pinkfeathered pink
see moregarden pink
grass pink
Indian eye
Mary's pink
mother of all pinks
pheasant's eye
pink
Scotch pink
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red Pink White | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Pink White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical 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
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
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, a virus and fusarium wilt
Get involved
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