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Dianthus what am I doing wrong?

debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
in Plants
Hi all, every year I buy “pinks” love the scent so much. They flower once then die. I have tried in pots and in the ground and nothing I do seems to work. I have read all the information and followed it as far as possible but does anyone have a tip to keep them alive? Any advice gratefully received! Thank you 

Posts

  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,718
    Are you socially isolating them? They don’t like being hemmed in by other plants. Another tip is not to plant them deeply, if anything they should project above soil level and be surrounded by grit or sharp sand to aid drainage.
    Rutland, England
  • debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
    Tried the grit and they are alone in pots not tried planting higher than soil level thanks will give it a go. 
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    If you have acidic soil or soil that is too rich, they will not thrive. 
  • Mary370Mary370 Posts: 2,003
    I've also lost lots of them, except for the few in a very dry corner near my path, which is very neglected, but all the ones I planted in my borders have died.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They do like good drainage too @debs64. I do as @BenCotto says re keeping them a bit 'proud'. Like the advice for peonies  :)
    As @Borderline says - very acidic soil isn't good for them, but in pots it's easier. 
    I refresh the pots each year, and add some slow release food. They get an occasional feed during the summer - tomato usually. Keep deadheading too. The grit or gravel also keeps excess moisture away from the main stem. I started a thread recently about pegging stems down to cover any bare areas, mainly because I was doing their annual refresh and the new growth was quite evident.

    Some are also easier than others, and less fussy.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
    @Fairygirl thanks will give all that a try I love the scent but can’t seem to succeed with them. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    If they're in pots @debs64, it's easier - in theory, but as you know [with all your lovely pots] they need a wee bit more attention. 
    I've got a shocking pink one which grows like a weed. I take chunks and shove them in to an adjacent bed. Even the builders trampling on it last year didn't stop it!
    If I can manage a post office next time I go for food, I could send you a bit? Just let me know if it's of any use  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
    That’s kind @Fairygirl I can pm you my address but absolutely no rush I know post offices are busy with somewhat erratic opening hours so whenever suits you would be perfect and if that’s not until all this kerfuffle is over it’s not a problem 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    No bother @debs64. I can hoik a little bit out for you and post it when I go for shopping in the next week or two.  :)
    It's this one



    That particular clump had been trodden on by the builders for a week, but five months on - it had recovered quite well!
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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