Dianthus 'Purple Wings' (Carnation) – Scented Perennial (Set of 3 or 6)

Dianthus 'Purple Wings' is a compact dwarf carnation carrying frilled, richly coloured blooms above neat mounds of blue-green foliage.

The flowers are fully frilled and densely petalled, and they carry the sweet, clove-like scent this group is known for. Plants build into low, cushion-shaped mounds of narrow blue-green leaves that set the flowers off well even before the buds open. Flowering runs from autumn into early winter, and cutting a few stems for a vase only encourages more.

Give them full sun, or sun for most of the day with a little light shade, and soil or compost that drains freely. They are happy in patio pots, in a border, or brought indoors for a bright spot, and they need little water once settled. These are hardy, rated H4 by the RHS, and come through an average British winter in well drained soil; it is wet, heavy ground in winter rather than cold that they dislike.

Supplied as three or six well-rooted plants in 10.5cm pots, grown peat-free in Yorkshire, ready to plant straight into the garden or a container. Deadhead through the season to keep the flowers coming, and give it a light trim once the main flush is over to keep the mound tidy.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Carnation, dianthus
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 25–40cm x 20–30cm
• Growth Habit: Compact, mound-forming
• Perfect For: Patio pots, borders, cut flowers and indoor displays
• Foliage: Slender, blue-green leaves
• Flowering Time: Autumn into early winter
• Planting Position: Full sun, or sun for most of the day with light shade. Happy in patio containers and in a bright spot indoors, and it copes with dry spells and with exposed, coastal sites.
• Soil Type: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline. Add grit to heavy soil.
• Hardiness: Hardy (RHS H4). Give it well drained soil so it does not sit wet over winter.
• Maintenance: Low. Deadhead regularly and keep the compost on the dry side.
• Seasonal Interest: Autumn and Winter
• Type: Hardy perennial