Photo of Dianthus japonicus foliage by alpsdake

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Dianthus japonicus

Also Known As

  • Japanese Dianthus

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 8"-10"
  • W: 16"

planting zones

  • 6a-10b

More Options

Dianthus japonicus plant details

Dianthus japonicus is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with blue foliage. In spring and summer blue and pink flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and low water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, seaside / salt tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Dianthus japonicus

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: caryophyllaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue
Mature size: 16 IN wide, 8 IN - 10 IN - tall
Flowers: blue and pink blooms in spring and summer
Uses: clove-scented, container plant, cutting garden, easy-to-grow, edging plant, fragrant, rock garden, self-sowing, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dianthus japonicus

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: heat, seaside / salt and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Most everyone that's seen this plant has failed miserably in the identification of even its family. With 3" long, 1/2" wide, dark, evergreen, glossy, wax-like foliage, this plant continues to confound and amaze. If that weren't enough, stand back in early Summer as it produces large heads of pink flowers that last for weeks. As with most Dianthus, this species is a perennial, but short-lived plant although it self-sows into a lovely colony and will be around for years.
A truly remarkable biennial, grown as much for it's unique form as it's flowers. Rosettes of wax-like, dark green, 2cm wide, lance shaped leaves form mounds that appear completely at home in the otherwise exposed locations they prefer to inhabit. Large heads of small, five petalled, blue pink flowers cover the plant from late spring, only after your garden has been graced by the foliage for a full year. Found growing on cliffs by the sea in Japan, it has proved extremely tolerant of excessive exposure and reflected heat, as well as sea spray. Ideal for gravel gardens, on the edge (or in the cracks) of paving or on barren sand. Self seeds nicely in any seemingly inhospitable place, the delightful little seedlings are easily removed as they grow larger. Extremely tough. Likes good drainage.

By: Zephs

A mounding perennial, rosy pink flowers spring to summer..clove like fragrance..growing 8-10 inches.

Gardening facts about Dianthus japonicus plant

How to Grow Dianthus japonicus

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • low
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • seaside / salt tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • pink
    • blue
  • Wildlife

    • bees
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • grassy
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