Dianthus: A Classic, Fragrant Perennial

The distinct clove fragrance of Dianthus makes them unappealing to deer, squirrels and other critters. This hardy perennial multiplies each year and attracts pollinators to the garden in the summer months. Dianthus prefers full sun and well draining to dry soil. It won’t tolerate wet soil, especially in the winter months.

To care for Dianthus, we recommend spreading a thin layer of mulch to help retain moisture in areas that are extremely dry. In other cases, mulch could retain too much moisture and the plant could rot. Remove spent blooms to allow for new blooms to emerge and after there has been a hard frost in the garden, cut stems back to several inches above the ground. After three to four years in the garden, divide and re-plant your Dianthus as it multiplies in the spring.

Dianthus is a rewarding perennial to grow in the garden, creating a party for the senses from the early summer garden all the way through until frost.