Dianthus superbus

Sizes available: 2 quart (has been cut back)

Basics: zones 4-8, 9-18" x 9-18", full sun, very fragrant pale pink blooms with fringed petals in mid summer, well-drained medium moist soil, slightly alkaline, sandy and/or rocky

Common names: Fringed Pink, Fringed Carnation

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Origin/Distribution: northern Asia and Europe: Arctic Norway, south to France and east to Japan in mountainous regions in the southern part of its range (up to 7200 feet)

Habitat: sandy, rocky, well-drained places like woodland edge, grassland, high on riverbanks

More: This is one of three tall pinks I have in a sandy, sunny, well-drained garden at my house. It blooms the latest and is incredibly fragrant. Intermingle with other drought tolerant, full sun species like Sempervivums, Monarda punctata and bradburiana, Liatris, Echinacea pallida, Geum triflorum, Antennaria plantaginifolia and so on. Also a pretty and fragrant addition to the vase.

Nursery: Van Berkum

Image credit: Jelitto Staudensamen GmbH