Border Blue™ Dianthus

Border Blue Dianthus (Dianthus hybrid) is a clumping dianthus with clean blue foliage and pink mottled flowers from spring to autumn. The foliage sits about 15cm high and the flowers rise to 30cm, on a clump 30cm to 40cm wide, so it is a tidy front of border plant. Bred by Ozbreed for heat tolerance and longevity.

Why you'll love it

• Blue foliage all year. Clean blue leaves keep a border interesting between flushes of flowers.
• Flowers from spring to autumn. Abundant pink mottled blooms carry across three seasons.
• Heat tolerant. Ozbreed bred it as a reliable, heat tolerant dianthus with exceptional longevity.
• Stays tidy. It forms broad, even clumps that hold their shape, so edges stay crisp.
• Easy care. Regular watering, good drainage and a deadhead are about all it asks.

Where it works best

Borders and paths. Plant 25cm apart in a single row. Ozbreed's range is 20cm to 30cm, and 25cm gives a continuous edge along a path or driveway.

Mass planting. Use nine plants per square metre, about 33cm apart, for a solid sweep of blue foliage and pink flowers.

Standalone specimen. A single clump at the front of a bed works well on its own, where the foliage and flower pattern can be seen up close.

Growing Border Blue Dianthus in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. Ozbreed lists it for New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia, so it suits temperate, Mediterranean and arid gardens. Queensland is not listed, and humid summers are harder on dianthus.

Soil. Well drained soil is the essential part. On heavy clay, raise the bed or build up the planting hole with coarse material.

Water and feed. Water regularly, especially while it establishes, but let the surface dry between waterings. Fertilise lightly in spring.

Pruning. Deadhead spent flowers to keep the blooms coming. A light tidy in spring keeps the clump compact.

What to expect when it arrives

Border Blue Dianthus is listed in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Stock comes from Ozbreed's licensed growers and is grown to order at times, so a size can show as backorder. Order it and we confirm timing with you before anything ships. Ten plants at 25cm spacing edge about 2.5m of path.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• See the full Ozbreed range
• More flowering plants
• Plants for mass planting
• Rockery plants

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 25cm apart for a border, or about 33cm apart (nine per square metre) for mass planting.

How do I keep it flowering?

Deadhead spent flowers and keep the soil well drained. A light feed and prune in spring sets the clump up for the season.

Will it cope with humid summers?

Ozbreed does not list Queensland, and dianthus dislike wet, humid conditions. Good drainage and an open, sunny position help.