DIANTHUS giganteus

Description

Dianthus giganteus

Height x Spread: 85cm x 20cm

Believed to be one of the tallest Dianthus, hence its name, it shares a lot in terms of looks with D. carthusianorum, but is much taller.  From May into June, small magenta pink flowers open successively from individual tight clusters of red buds held high on willowy stems that rise above neat rosettes of slender grass-like evergreen foliage.

Never showy, this is a naturalistic perennial that draws you in and captivates.  Ever since Cleeve West showcased D. cruentus in his RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden in 2011, Dianthus have been growing in popularity and deservedly so.  Preferring a non-acidic free draining soil in full sun, they are perfect for weaving through a border, meadow or contemporary planting scheme adding transparency and slow burning pops of colour.  Like many bulbs, they occupy little ground surface area but can soar and flower between other plants without disturbing them.  Bees and other pollinators love them.