Preferences:

A European and Eastern Asian perennial but this is treated as an annual or short lived perennial, often living from 2 - 3 years.

They prefer sun to light shade, well drained alkaline soils with a ph of 7 -7.5. Dianthus put on a big show in July and then flowers sporadically through out the summer. The plants diminish a bit in heat.

Cultural Practices:

Propagation - sow on April 1 at 21 degrees C, for 5 - 10 days

Landscape Value:

Common series - Ideal ( 1 1/4" width flowers) (Ideal Deep Violet is my favourite). Magic Charms (6", blooms in less than 12 wks), Parfait (6" - 8") 'Raspberry' and 'Strawberry' Parfait are the most popular. Princess (3" - 5"), Telstar (8") has excellent heat tolerance and is fairly winter hardy.

Other Plants: Wee Willie (3" tall) it blooms 6 - 8 weeks from sowing, needs to be planted very close together. Very fine texture and mix of colours. Use only for close viewing.

Dianthus plumarius - These are the perennial type of dianthus - They don't have the flowering time of the annual types. The varieties can be quite compact or be very sprawling and blue tinged. They are excellent in mulched beds. Because of their small size though be careful not to plant too closely to other larger perennials.