Pink, Feathered pink, Cottage Pink
Dianthus plumarius
Family: Caryophyllaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Pink, White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Rounded.
Dianthus plumarius is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.4
Where it is found
Grows in old walls in many parts of Britain.
E. Europe. Naturalized in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The petals are made into cordials, syrups, sauces, vinegars etc.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Alpine garden, Border, Container, Rock garden, Seashore, Specimen. Prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline soil in a sunny well-drained position. Succeeds in dry soils and in poor soils. Plants can be grown on walls. There are many named forms, selected for their ornamental value. The flowers are very fragrant, diffusing a powerful clove-like scent. Individual plants become rather untidy after a few years and are best replaced every 2 - 4 years. Some older cultivars, such as 'Sops in Wine' have a tendency to flower themselves to death. These should be grown in a richer soil in order to encourage the production of more foliage and should not be allowed to flower in their first year. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Suitable for cut flowers, Fragrant flowers.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings, taken at flowering time, with four pairs of leaves and trimmed just below a joint.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist