Standbys in the prairie garden are the various members of the diathus family. They require no petting and pampering, yet reward one with a lovely display of bright flowers, over a long period.
Dianthus plumarius comes in a wide variety of colors, both single and double, often lovely combinations and dainty markings. These have long been a favorite with me, but there are others that are equally desirable.
A group of Dianthus superbus attracted much attention, with masses of airy fringed single blooms of pink tones lavender. Free blooming and slightly perfumed. The single D. cyclops, pale pink with a red eye, and strongly clove scented, makes a very attractive plant. D. deltoides is nice for edging, grouped with landscape lighting for evening enjoyment, dwarf and free blooming, and comes in several colors.
Dianthus allwoodii is a very double white with a red splotch in the center. Mine may, or may not, be the true allwoodii, but came to me under that name. It has never set seed for me, but may be increased by slips or cuttings. This last summer I had several clumps of a lovely salmon pink dianthus. They were perfect bouquets of bloom over blue gray narrow foliage. They came to me labeled only “salmon dianthus,” but were beautiful for a long time.
Most dianthus are easily grown from seeds, and there are many to choose from, both in annuals and perennials. They need no special care or attention and grow in any situation. Mine grow in full sun, and are subject to wind, severe cold in winter and drouth in summer, but come up smiling.
Visit us to find out more about garden plants and flowers. It you have some questions or problem just let us know or you may visit your local gardener.
For your information there is lots more on the topic of landscape lighting. Visit us at http://www.plant-care.com/landscape-lighting.html.. Also published at Dianthus – Prarie Standbys.

