Dianthus albens
Image: C. Merry
Description
Most South African species grow as small herbaceous plants but there are some which form moderately sized shrubs, and have small flowers with colours varying from white through to pink and salmon tones. Providing mounds of pink flowers when most plants are going off, Dianthus albens makes quite a show.Dianthus albens is the only species which is sometimes cultivated and flowers over a fairly long period during the early summer months. It has fine leaves which grow from spreading stems along the ground. It usually flowers in late November and December. The seeds are black and flaky.
Plants are normally only seen in flower as their leaves and stems are easily overlooked in the veld.
Dianthus albens can be used in a rock garden or it can be used as filler in the border for summer colour.
Propagation instructions - cuttings
Plants can also be grown from cuttings, which should be taken in autumn so they can grow through the winter before flowering in summer-this is a good way of obtaining larger plants more quickly. Plants should be grown in a sunny area in the garden and be watered moderately throughout the year. They are also not fussy about soil but will grow with more vigour in slightly richer, sandy soils.
Propagation instructions - seeds
Dianthus albens plants are easily grown from seed which should be harvested in midsummer and sown the following autumn. Sow the seeds thinly in a sandy mix and keep moist through the winter. When the seedlings are fairly large they can be planted out in the garden where they should flower by December or if not, the following year.
Sources and references
Scientific name
Dianthus albens
Common name(s)
Wild pink