Dianthus 'Dinetta' (Dinetta Carnation)
Overview
Dianthus 'Dinetta' is a charming compact carnation that brings old-fashioned cottage garden appeal to modern landscapes. This delightful perennial produces masses of sweetly fragrant, fringed flowers in soft pastel shades, creating clouds of colour and perfume throughout the growing season. With its neat, cushion-forming habit and exceptional flowering performance, 'Dinetta' is perfect for gardeners seeking reliable colour and fragrance in a manageable package.
Appearance
Size and Growth Habit
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Height: 20cm
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Spread: 25cm
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Growth rate: Moderate
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Form: Compact, mounded cushions
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RHS Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of -15 degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H6)
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Temperature tolerance: Excellent cold tolerance, withstanding temperatures well below -20°C (-4°F)
Light Requirements
Dianthus 'Dinetta' performs best in full sun to light partial shade. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily ensures optimal flowering and prevents the plants from becoming leggy. In very hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial.
Soil Preferences
These carnations thrive in:
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Drainage: Well-draining soil is essential - waterlogged conditions cause root rot
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Soil type: Sandy loam or chalk-based soils are ideal
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pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5-7.5) - dislikes acidic conditions
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Fertility: Moderately fertile soil with good organic content
Watering
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, 'Dinetta' is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from consistent moisture during dry spells. Water at soil level rather than overhead to prevent fungal issues and preserve the flowers.
Fertilising
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring as new growth begins. A light feed with liquid fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during the growing season can extend flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which promote soft growth at the expense of flowers.
Deadheading and Pruning
Regular deadheading is essential for continuous flowering throughout the season. Pinch or cut spent blooms back to the next set of buds or leaves. In late winter, trim back old flowering stems by about one-third to encourage fresh growth and maintain plant shape.
Winter Care
'Dinetta' is fully hardy and requires minimal winter protection in most areas. In exposed locations, a light mulch around the base can provide extra protection, but avoid covering the crown which may lead to rot.
When to Plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or in early autumn to allow establishment before winter. Container-grown plants can be planted throughout the growing season with adequate aftercare.
Spacing
Space plants 25-30cm apart to allow for mature spread and ensure good air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases.
Planting Depth
Plant at the same depth as in the container, ensuring the crown sits at soil level. Planting too deeply can lead to crown rot.
Garden Applications
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Border edging: Perfect for front-of-border plantings
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Rock gardens: Excellent in well-drained, sunny rock gardens
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Container gardens: Thrives in pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets
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Cottage gardens: Essential for traditional cottage garden schemes
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Cut flower gardens: Excellent for small posies and arrangements
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Fragrant gardens: Adds delicious clove-like scent to the garden
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Alpine gardens: Suitable for raised beds and scree gardens
Companion Plants
Pairs beautifully with other cottage garden favourites such as lavender, catmint, hardy geraniums, and ornamental grasses. Complements silver-leaved plants like artemisia and combines well with other Dianthus varieties for extended colour.
Fragrance
One of 'Dinetta's most appealing features is its sweet, spicy fragrance reminiscent of cloves and cinnamon. The scent is particularly strong on warm, sunny days and in the evening, making it perfect for planting near seating areas, pathways, or windows.
Benefits for Wildlife
The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators. The long flowering season provides nectar throughout much of the growing season, making it valuable for supporting garden biodiversity.
Potential Challenges
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Aphids: Can be problematic, particularly on new growth - treat with insecticidal soap if necessary
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Red spider mite: May occur in hot, dry conditions - maintain adequate moisture and air circulation
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Fungal diseases: Can develop in poorly ventilated or overly wet conditions
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Short-lived: Individual plants may decline after 2-3 years - easily replaced by taking cuttings or division
This delightful carnation offers the perfect combination of compact size, prolific flowering, and delicious fragrance that makes it indispensable for smaller gardens and container growing. Its long flowering season, ease of care, and classic cottage garden appeal make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking reliable colour and scent throughout the growing season
Buying Alpines from Jacksons Nurseries
At Jacksons Nurseries we lightly trim back our alpines after flowering to ensure that the plants remain neat and tidy whilst in the pot. The more tender the plant the less we cut back to help protect exposed stems from winter frost. Depending on the plant variety we will then prune back further in spring once the risk of the more severe frosts is over.
As a result, depending on the time of year you buy alpines, they may not look like images showing their ‘prime time’ in flower and looking at their best.
Availability: Stock availability figures are provided as a guide only. There is a delay between orders being placed and the plants being gathered by our pulling team. During this time it may be possible for a member of the public to purchase these plants from our Garden Centre, while this is rare it is a possibility and we will notify you of any problems as soon as possible. This figure may also include plants that have not yet be flagged as unsaleable.
Pre-order: Pre-order times are given as a guide only and may vary dependent on the growing season. Orders containing Pre-ordered products will be shipped as a single order when all items become available. Large orders may be part shipped, please contact us on 01782 502741 or email
orders@jacksonsnurseries.co.uk.
From late autumn onwards and dependant on variety, there may be very little visible above the soil except for a few cut back dormant leaves or stems. It is perfectly normal for dormant plants to look like this from autumn onwards, they will however burst back into life in spring.
Alpines are a group of perennials that generally grow in rocky conditions at high altitudes.
As for all plants, soil preparation is time well spent. Dig over the area to be planted ensuring that the ground is free draining. If not then you may wish to either consider planting in a different spot or raising the level of the planting area by adding additional topsoil, well rotted garden compost and/or well rotted manure. Add ‘Fish, Blood and Bone’ fertiliser or a high potash fertiliser to encourage good root growth and development.
It’s always a good idea to plant a few of the same plant together, we recommend planting in 3’s or 5’s to provide a bold effect but allowing them plenty of room to develop.
By using this simple guide and a little time, alpines can make an absolutely spectacular difference to your garden.
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In stock
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£5.99 |