Dianthus superbus ssp. alpestris

[Ex. Bernina 2260 m., Switzerland]

Caryophyllaceae: an herbaceous perennial plant growing to 80cm tall. Woody hills and dry meadows. Flowers are sweetly scented, 3–5cm in diameter, with five deeply cut fringed petals, pink to lavender with a greenish base; they are produced in branched clusters at the top of the stems. Blooming from June-September. The leaves are green to greyish green, slender, up to 8cm long. Dianthus superbus ssp. alpestris can be found in Alps, Carpathians, Sudeten and Vosges mountains.

Surface sow seeds, these should germinate in 1 - 2 weeks warm. Plants prefer an alkaline soil but will tolerate a slightly acid soil. Succeeds in any well-drained peaty soil in sun or light shade. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -20°C. The flowers have a wonderful, sweet perfume.

ATTRACTIVE TO BEES AND BUTTERFLIES.

APPROX. 40 SEEDS