Dianthus superbus

Dianthus superbus is a small perennial with elegant and fragrant flowering. Its flowers regularly bloom from June until September, and bring life to the edges of flower beds with their beautiful fringed petals. Finely cut like lace, they range from pink to lilac, varying in pale shades depending on the exposure. Easy to grow, it is ideal for creating lovely bouquets that fill the house with fragrance.

Belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family, this carnation is found in the wild in the moist meadows of Europe and Asia. Its size (40cm (16in) tall and 30cm (12in) wide) makes it suitable for bordering flower beds, near pathways, as well as in moist rock gardens or in containers. From its base, branching stems emerge and bear one or several highly fragrant flowers at their tips. These flowers are composed of five laciniate petals, meaning they are cut into narrow and unequal strips. This gives them a slightly tousled and joyful appearance, undulating in the wind. Their colour, ranging from pink to lilac, can sometimes be very light but always charming. The leaves, with a slightly greyish-blue shade of green, are soft and also very thin and linear. They are arranged opposite each other on the stems. The overall habit has a very airy appearance, complemented by the ballet of insects that come to visit.

This is a hardy and robust perennial that can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F). It requires little maintenance; just remove faded flowers to stimulate blooming. Place it in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-drained soil.

Its compact size is an asset for releasing its fragrance throughout our gardens. In the heart of small flower beds, along patios, and in containers near doorways, Dianthus superbus easily finds its way. Along the edges of larger ensembles, it spontaneously blends with the grey-green foliage of euphorbias and wormwood. It also thrives in compositions combining pink and white tones. It adds a touch of lightness among summer flowers with large blooms, such as dahlias and echinaceas.