Dianthus 'Capitan Cook' (Carnation) – Fragrant Hardy Perennial (2L Pot)

Dianthus 'Capitan Cook' is a compact carnation carrying long-lasting, richly coloured flowers above neat mounds of silvery blue-green foliage.

The flowers are richly coloured and produced in repeat flushes, and they carry the sweet, clove-like scent this group is known for. Plants build into low, cushion-shaped mounds of narrow silvery blue-green leaves that stay put through the colder months, so there is something to look at long after the last bloom. Flowering runs through the summer, repeating through the season, and cutting a few stems for a vase only encourages more.

Give it full sun and soil that drains freely, ideally neutral to slightly alkaline. It suits the front of a border, a rockery, path edging or a patio pot, needs very little water once established, and copes with wind and salt air, so an exposed or seaside garden is no trouble. Winter wet is the one thing it will not forgive, so work grit into heavy ground and keep mulch away from the crown.

Supplied as a well-established plant in a 2 litre pot, 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 25–35cm
• Growth Habit: Compact, mound-forming
• Perfect For: Borders, rockeries, raised beds, gravel gardens, containers and cottage gardens
• Foliage: Evergreen, silver blue-green
• Flowering Time: Summer, repeating through the season
• Planting Position: Full sun, including dry and exposed or coastal sites. Happy in patio containers.
• Soil Type: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline. Add grit to heavy soil.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy in Britain and happy to stay outside all year, as long as the soil drains freely over winter.
• Maintenance: Low. Deadhead regularly and trim lightly after flowering.
• Seasonal Interest: Summer
• Type: Hardy evergreen perennial