Dianthus PixieDianthus
科:石竹科
Family:Caryophyllaceae
属:石竹属
common name:Dianthus
introduce:Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Missouri Native: No
Native Range: None
Height: 0.25 to 1 foot
Spread: 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: May - July
Bloom Color: Reddish pink
Sun: Full sun (only)
Water: Medium moisture
Maintenance: Low
General Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers fertile, alkaline, somewhat gritty loams with good drainage. Plants may die out in the center if drainage is not superior. Consider shearing off all spent flowering stems if bloom ceases in the heat of summer in order to tidy the planting and to promote additional bloom in late summer or early fall.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
慞ixie?is a fragrant dianthus that is noted for its compact habit, profuse red-pink flowers and blue-green foliage. Blue-green leaves typically form a low mound of foliage to 7?tall that spreads to 24?wide over 2 years. Reddish-pink flowers with lighter pink spots and margins typically bloom from late spring into summer. Flowers rise above the foliage to 12?tall. Additional sporadic bloom may continue from mid-summer into fall. Flowers have a spicy, clove-like fragrance. U. S. Plant Patent PP13,578 issued February 18, 2003.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Dianthus is generally susceptible to crown rot, particularly if grown in wet, poorly drained soils. Leaf spot may occur in humid summers, particularly where plants are crowded.
Uses:
Rock gardens, border fronts, edgings, fragrance gardens and containers. When massed, the foliage can form an attractive ground cover.
