Dianthus spiculifolius (Alpine pink)

Botanical name

Dianthus spiculifolius

Other names

Alpine pink

Genus

Dianthus Dianthus

Species

D. spiculifolius - D. spiculifolius is a compact, cushion-forming, evergreen perennial with linear, pointed, blue-green leaves and, from late spring to late summer, fragrant, fringed, white, sometimes pink flowers, often with red eyes.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Cushion or Mound Forming, Compact

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Colour

Flower

White in Spring; White in Summer

Foliage

Blue-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids , Slugs

Specific diseases

Rust , Virus

General care

Pruning

Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering.

Propagation methods

Layering, Softwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Dianthus spiculifolius (Alpine pink) will reach a height of 0.2m and a spread of 0.45m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Rock, Ground Cover, Gravel, Garden edging, Edging, Cottage/Informal, Containers, Beds and borders

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Enrich soil with well-rotted manure or garden compost and apply a balanced fertiliser each spring. Benefits from having crushed limestone sprinkled around the base of the plant.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Dianthus spiculifolius (Alpine pink)

Common pest name

Omnivorous leafroller

Scientific pest name

Platynota stultana

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous pest which could be potentially damaging to a range of crops if introduced to the UK. Awareness raising amongst the industry is needed. Also need to monitor developments in Spain where the pest is already present and consider whether EU regulation is warranted.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Dianthus spiculifolius (Alpine pink)

Common pest name

African cottom leafworm; Cotton leafworm; Egyptian cotton leafworm; Egyptian cotton worm; Mediterranean climbing cutworm; Meditteranea Brocade; Tobacco cutworm

Scientific pest name

Spodoptera littoralis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Regulated pest; frequently intercepted with occasional outbreaks which have been successfully eradicated in the UK.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Dianthus spiculifolius (Alpine pink)

Common pest name

American serpentine leaf miner; chrysanthemum leaf miner

Scientific pest name

Liriomyza trifolii

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Regulated pest already subject to review at the EU level (2013). Regularly intercepted in the trade.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/