Dianthus plumarius Cranmere Pool

Dianthus 'Cranmere Pool' is a recent hybrid carnation variety, with a dense habit that gives the plant a very neat appearance. Its large, elegant flowers are strongly scented, and bloom in abundance from late spring until autumn. The flowers are pure white, sometimes shaded with pale-pink. They are marked with a dark magenta zone at the centre. Already popular with our grandmothers, this carnation surpasses itself in this award-winning variety, which is accessible to all gardeners, even inexperienced ones.

'Cranmere Pool' belongs to the Caryophyllaceae. It is a cultivar resulting from cross-breeding between Dianthus plumarius and D. gratianopolitanus. D. plumarius is a European perennial that is the main parent of the different groups of carnations, both old-fashioned and modern. D. gratianopolitanus is native to Europe and Asia, and it has passed on to its descendants its compact habit and its wonderful clove scent. The growth rate of this carnation is quite rapid. Its adult size will not exceed 30 to 35cm (12 to 14in) in height with a spread of 30cm (12in) or more. The dense clump blooms from May to July, and then again in September. It produces 6cm (2in) wide, double, bicoloured flowers with slightly fringed petals. They are highly scented and are carried at the end of short, sturdy stems. Its linear, glabrous, evergreen, and leathery leaves are a beautiful grey-blue colour.

Dianthus 'Cranmere Pool' is perfect for borders, embankments, and dry rock gardens. It brings elegance and distinction to even the humblest setting. It can be accompanied by other flowering cushions such as helianthemums, silenes, dwarf artemisia (Artemisia lanata), wall bellflower (Campanula muralis), Caucasian rock cress (Arabis caucasica), moss phlox (Phlox subulata), hardy ice plant (Delosperma cooperi), Mexican fleabane (Erigeron karvinskianus), and bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum). To evoke gardens of the past, a small border of these delightful carnations can be planted at the base of peony clumps and old roses. This plant looks lovely between the stones of a wall or pavement, or in a container. It adapts very well to pot culture, in light soil.