This flower is perennial that blooms at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. It will bloom more often if you actively deadhead it. While this plant is native to Europe and Asia, it doesn’t have a habit of taking over a garden bed or escaping cultivation. Some dianthus are annuals, and some are perennials. The variety we have is a perennial. The flowers are bicolored with white centers and pink outers. After the flowers bloom, the foliage stays green year round. The foliage has a low creeping habit and only grows about 4-6 inches off the ground. This plant can be mildly toxic if ingested by pets.
Planting/Harvesting Notes
- Plant in an area that receives 6-8 hours of full sun each day.
- Plants perform better with minimal fertilization.
- Water at least weekly.
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow them to fill in over time.
Seed saving notes
Allow flower to die on the stem. Once the flower dries out, you should be able to see a brown seed where the flower head once was. Collect these seeds and start them in the spring.