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Carthusian pink

Dianthus carthusianorum · Caryophyllaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant carthusian pink: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

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ID card

Foliage
Evergreen, fine and linear
Flowering
May to July, flowers pink to bright red
Adult size
30 to 50 cm tall, 20 to 30 cm spread
Growth
Moderate
Hardiness
Very hardy, down to -15°C
Origin
Central and southern Europe
Soil type
Well-draining, neutral to chalky, rather poor

Care

Exposure

Place your Carthusian pink in full sun for generous flowering. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is recommended. In shade, the plant will become leggy and flowers will be less abundant.

Watering

Water moderately, especially during the growing season. Once established, the plant tolerates drought well thanks to its deep root system. Avoid excess moisture which encourages rot. In winter, reduce watering drastically.

Soil

This species prefers well-draining, light and chalky soil. Improve structure with gravel or sand if your soil is too compact. Poor soil suits it much better than rich soil, which would encourage foliage at the expense of flowers.

Pruning and tidying

Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage new blooms. After summer flowering, cut the plant back lightly to restore a compact shape. In late winter, remove any dead or damaged parts.

Fertilizer

A light application in spring is plenty. Use fertilizer low in nitrogen to avoid excessive vegetative growth. A plant grown in appropriate soil generally gets by with the natural nutrients from the potting mix.

Diseases and pests

This species is generally robust. Watch for powdery mildew and rust in damp, stagnant conditions. Good drainage and air circulation prevent most problems. If spider mites appear, rinse the foliage with clear water.

Did you know?

The Carthusian pink owes its name to the Carthusian monks, who cultivated it from the Middle Ages onward in their monastery gardens for its decorative qualities and delicate fragrance. For centuries, this carnation was a symbol of purity and chastity in religious gardens throughout Europe.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.