Dianthus gratianopolitanus Kahori Holkahori

The Dianthus gratianopolitanus Kahori is a recent variety of miniature carnation that is particularly floriferous and fragrant. Forming a dense cushion, this variety is covered in a myriad of small flowers that are a vibrant carmine pink and pleasantly scented throughout the entire growing season. Its fine foliage persists more or less in winter, adding decorative touches of greenish-blue to borders and rockeries. Easy to grow, combining generosity, frugality, and delicacy, this small plant will be more perennial in well-drained soil. It also thrives on terraces or balconies, creating adorable pots that are both colorful and fragrant from June to October.

The 'Kahori' carnation belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is a Japanese cultivar introduced in 2007 to the horticultural market. It is derived from the Dianthus gratianopolitanus, also known as the blue carnation, carnation of Grenoble, or Pentecost carnation, native to Europe and Asia. This carnation has rapid growth. Its adult size will not exceed 20 cm (8in) in height with a spread of 40 cm (16in) or more. This plant forms a small prostrate cushion with a tapetum. Its linear, semi-evergreen, and leathery leaves are a superb grayish-blue-green. The flowering, particularly long, begins in May-June, continues until August if the soil is not too dry, then resumes until the first frost. The plant is then covered in small flowers that are a deep and vivid pink with a lighter center, composed of toothed petals, very fragrant, at the top of usually uniflorous and leafy stems.

The Dianthus 'Kahori' is a slope and rockery plant, enjoying sun and well-drained soil, tolerating poor and chalky soils well. It can be accompanied by other flowering cushions such as helianthems, silenes, dwarf artemisia Artemisia lanata, wall bellflower, Caucasian rockcress, creeping phlox, Delosperma cooperi, Erigeron karvinskianus, and bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum). This plant forms a lovely garnish between the stones of a wall or paving, or in a planter. It can also be planted en masse along pathways or to outline the edge of a flower bed where it forms beautiful, vibrant pink and fragrant carpets throughout the growing season. It also adapts very well to container gardening, with more frequent watering and regular fertilization.