Plant field guide
Dianthus (Perennial)
Fragrant clove-scented flowers above neat mounds of blue-gray foliage. 'Firewitch' is the most popular variety.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Dianthus gratianopolitanus
- Sun
- full sun
- Water
- low
- Height
- 6 in (15 cm) – 12 in (30 cm)
- Spread
- 12 in (30 cm) – 18 in (46 cm)
- Spacing
- 12 in (30 cm)
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 3–9; average annual extreme minimum from -40°F (-40.0°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- easy
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: July.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Excellent drainage essential. Deadhead for rebloom. Blue-gray foliage is attractive even without flowers.
Pruning
Shear back by half after first bloom for rebloom. Remove dead foliage in spring.
Fertilizer
Light balanced
Early spring
Mulch
Gravel mulch. Avoid wet organic mulch against crown.