Top Sun Perennials: Dianthus

Dianthus is an old-fashioned favorite with sweetly scented blooms and grass-like foliage. There are a number of species within the genus of Dianthus, making the choices and possibilities endless for adding this charming selection to your garden. Upright forms are great for cut flower arrangements while the shorter, mounding plants are perfect for borders. Fringed blooms typically appear in late spring and again in the fall. Remove the faded flowers to encourage more blooms. When not in bloom, the mounds of foliage, ranging from green to blue to nearly silver, will add contrast to the landscape.