Thursday, May 8, 2014

Dianthus caesius: Featured Plant of The Day


Dianthus gratianopolitanus
 syn. Dianthus caesius
    Cheddar Pink,  Rock Garden Pink


Type    Perennial
Hardy range    3A to 8A
Height    9" to 12" / 23cm to 30cm
Spread    8" to 12" / 20cm to 30cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Rounded
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence    Semi-evergreen

Bloom Color    Pink and red
Bloom Time    Spring and Summer

The flowers are fragrant and suitable for cut flowers.

Environment
This plant tolerates some drought.
This plant will grow in dry to moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is a neutral to slightly alkaline (6.8 to 7.7) soil.

Leaf Color    Blue and silvery
This plant has attractive foliage.

Culture Notes
Seeds can be gathered after flowering, but the plant will loose some vigor if allowed to seed.  For the best appearance, remove all the flower heads when most of the flowers are finished.  Trim to the congestion of foliage.  Division can be made after flowering.  Plant with: Iberis, Armeria, Artemisia, and Phlox subulata.