Dianthus Morello Star

Description

Dianthus Morello Star is a clump-forming, alpine evergreen perennial pink growing to 30cm high, with grey-green foliage. This early flowering pink is great for pots and sunny borders as well as in an alpine bed or rockery. This cultivar produces clove scented, morello cherry red flowers with light pink blotches on the petals from late Spring on short branching stems. The outside of the petals have a cut edge. This little gem thrives in a sunny spot, and if you keep on deadheading, it will continue sending up more and more flowers all summer. The petals are edible in moderation with a sweet, clove taste.

Warning – the leaves and stems can be a mild skin irritant in some people. If in doubt wear gloves when handling. Can make pets sick if eaten (contains triterpenoid saponins).

FAMILY: Caryophyllaceae
SYNONYMS:
Full Name: Dianthus caryophyllus Morello Star
COMMON NAME: Garden Pink, Cheddar Pink, Alpine Carnation
NATIVE: Mediterranean region
HEIGHT: 30 cm (12″)
SPREAD: 30cm (12″)
SOIL TYPE: All, prefers a rich, moist soil with good drainage
SOIL PH: Neutral, Alkaline
ASPECT: Sun
UK HARDINESS: Hardy
FLOWERING TIME:  Summer
FLOWER COLOUR: Morello Cherry Red and Pink
NOTES: Can be deciduous in hard winters, mild skin irritant.