Dianthus are becoming more popular due to their fragrant flowers and perfectly formed and coloured blooms. Over recent years, a number of new hybrids have appeared which have been bred for fragrance, flower power and tidy compact habits. Cut flowers last at least a week, so are perfect for buttonholes and posies.
3 steps to planting dianthus
Prepare
Dianthus require a sunny position with fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Use as a boarder or as an alternative to a hedge; these compact plants can be used to define edges and create definition from lawn areas to garden bed. These eye catching plants are suitable for pots and containers, in a courtyard or deck area.
Garden Centres will have plants in spring. Some favourire verities to look out for are Candy Floss, Clove Prinks, Coconut Sundae, Ellerslie, Far cry, Far North, Passion, Sent from Heaven series and Strawberry Sundae.
Like building a house a good foundation is the key to success in your garden. The better the soil, the better your Dianthus will grow. If you are starting with an existing garden bed dig in organic matter like Tui Sheep Pellets and Tui Compost to your soil. Then you can add a layer of Tui Flower Mix.
PLANT
The best times to plant are early in the morning or late in the day, so the plants aren’t exposed to the hot sun straight away. Always water plants well before and after planting.
Directions for planting in garden beds
- Water plants thoroughly before planting and allow to drain.
- Dig a hole, approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball of your plant.
- Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the centre of the hole.
- Fill in with Tui Flower Mix.
- Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
- Water your plant well and continue to water regularly.
Directions for potting plants
- Water plants thoroughly before potting and allow to drain.
- Half fill your container with Tui Flower Mix.
- Gently take the plant from the current container, loosen the root ball and remove any loose or dead plant material and roots.
- Position the plant in the centre of the new container and fill with Tui Flower Mix up to 3cm from the top.
- Gently firm mix around the base of the plant. The mix should be at the same level on the plant as it was in the previous container.
- Water your plant well and continue to water regularly.
Nourish
Feed your plants and they will feed you. Plants use nutrients from the soil as they grow, so replenishing the nutrients ensures your plants grow to their full potential. Feed your Dianthus with Tui NovaTec® Premium Fertiliser in spring and again in mid-summer.
A well watered, well nourished garden will have a better chance of keeping insect pests and diseases at bay. While your Dianthus are growing regularly apply a dose of Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic to give them a welcome boost.
Picking encourages more blooms.
Prune back in winter.