Dianthus Suntory Pink

Dianthus 'Suntory Pink' is a particularly early and floriferous hybrid carnation, flowering from spring until the first frost. It tirelessly produces lots of small, single, dazzling fuchsia-red flowers on fairly short stems, on a plant that remains densely compact throughout the season. These qualities make this variety good for decorating terraces and balconies, as well as flower beds. This variety is not very hardy and is usually grown as an annual. Provide it with fertile, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun.

The 'Suntory Pink' carnation belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is part of a brand new series of hybrids selected in Germany for their very rapid growth and excellent floribundity. It is a cultivar resulting from the cross-breeding between D. superbus and D. chinensis. Dianthus superbus is a perennial native to the mountains of Europe and temperate Asia, where it grows in wooded and moist meadows. Dianthus chinensis, on the other hand, is a small annual, biennial or short-lived perennial, frost-sensitive species, with endless flowers.

'Suntory Pink' carnation grows quickly to form a lovely clump capable of blooming, in just a few weeks. Its mature size will not exceed 30-35 cm (12-14in) high when flowering, with a spread of 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16in). The dense clump has bright fuchsia-red flowers with fringed petals from May to September-October, on fairly short stems, usually with several flowers which are not fragrant. Its linear, glabrous, evergreen and leathery leaves are a superb grey-green. 'Suntory Pink' is sensitive to severe frost: in well-drained soil, it will withstand short freezes of around -10°C (14°F). It is best to propagate it by dividing the clumps to keep it from one year to the next. This sterile variety does not produce seeds.

Dianthus 'Suntory Pink' is an excellent plant for borders and flowering pots. It will accompany the other stars of the terrace such as lobelias, nemophilas, discias, and other Bidens. Its very rapid development is also valuable to fill a new flower bed while waiting for the perennials to take their place. It will enhance the blue, pink, or white blooms of asters, the long flowering of dwarf gauras, calibrachoas...and many more.