Watch this video with Noelle, Horticulturist, and Education Manager with Petitti Garden Centers, to learn the difference between annual, perennial, and biennial Dianthus and how to grow each in Northeast Ohio.
I got some perennial dianthus 2 yrs ago. Put them in a full sun spot. They got what i assume was some sort of fungus. Their blueish green leaves got dark spots on them. They started dying out then from the middle. I pulled them. I would like to try again. Any suggestions? Do they need sprayed with something on a schedule? Thank you
Newer varieties of Dianthus do have improved disease resistance, but you must plant them in well-drained soil, plus a full sun site. They can be prone to root & crown rot in wetter areas (especially over winter) and are susceptible to leaf spot disease if humid weather persists and if they are crowded, lacking air circulation. Yes, you can apply copper fungicide when the weather changes from spring temps to summer humidity to prevent disease.
If I use perlite in the outside soil with the dianthus... Will it benefit them as far as drainage or producing a well draining soil for them? And can they survive the winter being outside? Thank you so much... I'm in northeast Ohio and want to give them the best life possible Blessings to you all and your families
If you have heavy clay soil or find that your soil drains poorly, it is better to use Espoma Soil Perfector or Biochar to naturally increase drainage of outdoor soils. Even adding 2" of organic matter, such as compost, to the soil each growing season can help increase drainage over time. Also, plant your Dianthus so it sits about 1-2" higher than the soil level to guarantee drainage. Double check your Dianthus tag to make sure it is a perennial variety, and it should have no trouble returning year after year in a well-drained, sunny spot!
