Dianthus japonicus

Virtually unknown to most gardeners but poised to burst onto the scene, is this outstanding new perennial. There are two features about this species that distinguish it from other Dianthus. It has very undianthus-like shiny glossy leaves, which are evergreen in the south and it is later blooming, beginning in summer and continuing till frost. The pinkish-lavender flowers of Japanese Dianthus are a welcomed sight in the summer perennial garden. Known in Japan as Hama-nadeshiko, it is found growing naturally on coastal cliffs and sandy beaches, so a well-drained soil is a good idea. Remove faded bloom clusters to tidy up and if you don’t want a few seedlings.