Blood-red Calyx Pink

This striking alpine Dianthus is notable for its unique floral architecture. It forms a cushions of stiff, blue-green, needle-like leaves. In mid-summer, it produces short stems topped with flowers that have vivid pink-purple petals, but the most distinctive feature is the dark, brownish-red, almost blood-coloured calyx from which the petals emerge. This creates a wonderful colour contrast. Native to the mountains of Greece and the Balkans, it is well-suited to the UK rock garden, provided it has a very sunny, open site with excellent drainage. It is particularly effective when planted in large drifts or allowed to seed into gravel paths. It is fully hardy and drought-tolerant once it has established its deep taproot. Like most pinks, it prefers neutral to alkaline soil and will quickly rot if held in waterlogged conditions over winter. It is an excellent choice for adding a touch of drama to a collection of smaller alpine plants.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul.