Doris Dianthus

Doris Dianthus (Dianthus allwoodii 'Doris') is a classic cottage pink: a grassy clump of slender silver-grey leaves about 40cm tall and 60cm wide, topped with full, double, pale pink flowers marked with a darker band at the base. The sweet, clove-like scent carries well beyond the bed. It has been in gardens for over 70 years and holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Why you'll love it

• A clove scent. The sweet-spicy fragrance fills a sunny corner, and the flowers last well when cut for the house.
• Silver foliage all year. The slender silver-grey leaves make a neat grassy clump that looks good even out of flower.
• A proven performer. Seventy years of garden history and a Royal Horticultural Society award say it can be relied on.
• Frost hardy and drought tolerant. It is completely frost hardy, and mature plants get by on little water.
• Compact. At 40cm tall it fits the front of a border, a rockery or a balcony pot.

Where it works best

Edges and rockeries. Plant 30cm apart along a path or rockery edge. The silver clumps join into a soft line that stays attractive even when the plants are out of flower.

Pots and balconies. In a sunny pot of free draining mix it flowers freely, and the scent is at its best close to a seat.

Cottage, sensory and bedding plantings. Use it as summer bedding in front of taller perennials, where the scent and the silver leaves add texture and fragrance.

Growing Doris Dianthus in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, with full sun giving the most flowers. It is frost hardy, so it suits cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens well. In humid subtropical districts treat it as a cool season plant and give it good airflow.

Soil. A loamy or sandy, free draining, neutral soil gives the best results. On acid soil a little garden lime helps, and on heavy ground a pot or raised bed is safer.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks. Mature plants are drought tolerant. Regular feeding promotes healthy growth and more flowers.

Pruning. Deadhead spent flowers, or cut them to enjoy indoors. In autumn, once flowering finishes, cut all stems back by half and add some fertiliser for a second round of blooms.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Doris Dianthus as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly in a sunny, free draining spot. Allwoodii pinks are short lived perennials, so expect a few good seasons and take cuttings if you want to keep a favourite going.

Our tube stock is supplied by our grower, so availability comes and goes. If the tube shows as sold out when you visit, use the notify button on the page and we will email you the day it is back.

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

• More fragrant plants
• Plants for rockeries and gravel gardens
• Plants that suit pots and containers
• Perennial plants for a cottage garden

Common questions

How long will it live?

Allwoodii pinks are short lived. Depending on conditions it may behave as an annual, a biennial or a perennial lasting a few seasons. Take cuttings to keep your plants going.

How do I get a second flush of flowers?

Cut all the stems back by half in autumn after flowering has finished, and add some fertiliser. That sets up a second round of blooms.

Is it safe around pets?

Not entirely. Pinks and carnations are regarded as mildly toxic to cats and dogs if eaten. Keep it out of reach of chewing pets.