Alpine Pink 'Joans Blood'

Dianthus alpinus 'Joan's Blood' is a breathtakingly beautiful and highly sought-after cultivar of the true alpine pink. This diminutive plant forms a neat, low-growing cushion of glossy, deep green foliage that is much darker than most other Dianthus species. In mid-summer, it produces spectacular, large, flat-faced flowers of an exceptionally intense, dark crimson-red with an even darker, almost black central ring and a splash of white at the throat. The contrast between the vivid petals and the dark foliage is striking. Although it reaches only 10cm in height, the flowers are proportionally very large, making a significant impact. In the UK, it is best grown in a gritty, free-draining soil with some added lime, as it prefers alkaline conditions. It is ideal for troughs, scree gardens, or raised beds where its fine details can be appreciated at close range. It requires protection from winter waterlogging but is otherwise fully hardy. Regular deadheading can extend the flowering period.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, gritty, alkaline soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Jun Shatter, Jul Shatter.