Photo: Blackstem Plants

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Dianthus cathusianorum

Clusterhead pink

From impoverished soil in dry rocky places comes the German Plant of the Year 1989. 

It can be found in the remotest spots anywhere from the Alps to the Middle East particularly along roadsides. 

This is one tough little plant, well adapted to undernourishment and neglect. It probably survives on charm alone. So charming that it is named for and was supposedly spread by Carthusian monks whilst travelling from their monastery near Grenoble. 

Use it in gravel gardens and pathways or on hot, dry sites & rockeries. Although small it remains quite dignified with fine, dark green leaves and wiry stemmed stalks topped by magenta pink clusters of lightly scented flowers. 

Best used in a simple planting design in a hot location, uncrowded by more rampant plants.