Dianthus plumarius Devon Magic

Dianthus 'Devon Magic' is a modern carnation, with a late but splendid flowering. Its bicolour double flowers are of a beautiful size, with a finely striated Bengal pink and light pink hue, a colour that gives the illusion of sparkling in the sun. They are carried by long, strong stems, which are perfect for bouquets. The well-branched plant forms a dense tuft of fine grey-green-blue leaves. The plant retains its appeal in winter. This variety blooms late, in June-July. A hardy, durable, and easy-to-grow perennial in the sun, in light soil. It is as comfortable in the garden as in flower pots.

'Devon Magic' belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is a fairly tall cultivar, selected in England, resulting from cross-breeding between Dianthus plumarius and D. gratianopolitanus. D. plumarius is a European perennial that is the main ancestor of different groups of both old-fashioned and modern carnations. D. gratianopolitanus is native to Europe and Asia. It has passed on to its descendants its compact habit and its wonderful clove scent. The growth of this carnation is quite fast. Its adult size will reach 45cm (18in) in height for a spread of 30 to 40cm (12 to 16in), or even more. This carnation forms a well-branched, dense tuft. In June-July, and often until October, 4 to 5cm (2in) wide double flowers emerge with pleated bicolour petals on the edge, carried at the end of strong, often branched stems. They are slightly fragrant. Its linear, glabrous, pointed, evergreen and leathery leaves are a superb grey-blue.

Dianthus 'Devon Magic' is an excellent perennial for borders, embankments, and sunny rockeries. It is hardy to at least -15°C (5°F). Its large, fascinatingly double flowers bring a touch of magic and brightness to even the most modest flower bed. It will be enhanced by the grey or white foliage of cineraria or artemisias. Plant it with other carnations in white or pastel tones, or the blue bells of wood hyacinths. Alternatively, plant it with other flowering cushions, such as the wall bellflower or the perpetually flowering Erigeron karvinskianus. To evoke the gardens of the past, one can plant a small border of these lovely carnations at the base of white or pink peony clumps, for example. This plant looks lovely above walls or paving. It adapts very well to pot culture, in light soil. In pots, monitor watering and fertiliser inputs.