Dianthus microlepis
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Dianthus microlepis $5.95• common names: dianthus, garden pink
• flowering season: May and June
• height: slow growing with an eventual height of 2 - 3 inches
• Light requirements: full sun for the best health
• Soil requirements: average garden soil that is well drained
• Water requirments: average
• Growth habit: grows as a very compact clump
• How to propagate: take tip cuttings in early summer
• Leaf type: small green leaves
• Ways to use it: in a rock garden or a container planting
• Special characteristics: the small scale of its flowers and growth would be very useful in a miniature landscape
Very small, light pink flowers, about three-eighths of a inch wide, bloom in spring to early summer. Everything about this plant is small in scale. When planted in the garden care needs to be taken that it isn't crowded by taller plants. So it is best planted with other small-scale perennials. For bonsai enthusiasts this would be a good choice to grow in a small pot of its own to complement larger pots of dwarfed, potted trees. This miniature dianthus occurs with both green leaves and glaucous, silvery leaves. Our form of Dianthus microlepis has green leaves and should be given a more acid soil, instead of adding lime to its soil. The plants we offer are not grown from seeds but from cuttings, so they will match the plant shown in the photograph. Hardy to USDA Zone 4, or even colder where there is good snow cover.