Dianthus squarrosa Berlin Snow

Dianthus 'Berlin Snow' is a low hybrid carnation variety with spring flowering. It was created by plant enthusiasts in the former Democratic Republic of Germany (RDA). It is a hardy and undemanding small plant, which grows in a neat tuft of evergreen leaves of a grey-green-blue colour. It comes to life in spring with small intensely fringed pure white star-shaped flowers. This lively little perennial grows easily in full sun, in well-drained, even rocky and poor soils. Plant it in a rock garden, an alpine trough, or a sunny border.

Dianthus 'Berlin Snow' belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. While the origins of this hybrid are uncertain, some carnation specialists see its relationship with D. squarrosus 'Nana', to which it bears a strong resemblance, and D. spicifolius. The former is native to the rocky steppes of northern Europe, Russia and Ukraine, while its presumed second parent is a plant from the rocky areas of western Asia (Carpathians, Ukraine). 'Berlin Snow' is resistant to cold, snow, and dry soils.

'Berlin Snow' grows into a remarkably dense and low cushion. Its adult size will not exceed 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in) in height when in flower (5cm (2in) for the foliage) with a spread of 20 to 30cm (8 to 12in). Unlike many carnations, it blooms in spring and not in summer, usually in May-June depending on the climate. Small delicate solitary flowers with 5 white petals fringed at the edges open on slender and short stems. The evergreen foliage consists of thin, linear, glabrous, leathery leaves, with a colour that is a mix of dark green and grey-blue.

While primarily an alpine rock plant, 'Berlin Snow' is robust and tolerant enough to find many uses in the garden. It thrives in all rocky areas abandoned by other plants: a dry rockery, a difficult embankment, or along a path. Plant it with other small undemanding perennials that will not suffocate it, such as small sedums, thymes, helianthemums, silenes, Armeria, Phlox subulata, Delosperma cooperi, or Geranium sanguineum. This plant looks pretty between the stones of a wall or paving, or in a container. It adapts very well to pot culture, in light soil, but will require slightly more frequent watering and some fertiliser during the season to remain floriferous.