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Dianthus - dear, oh, dear

PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
in Problem solving
I scrupulously deadheaded these. Lots of new buds, all of which turned brown and mushy in the rain a few weeks ago. They now look like this. What should I do? Chuck em, cut them back again, leave them? They are Pink Kisses and are perennial. I am in the SW.


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  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Mine are brown and dry,can't remember the last time we had rain. Has the pot got good drainage? I rarely chuck anything out. You could hoick it out if you get a lot of rain,add some grit to the compost,I just give them a hair cut,way too difficult to individually dead head,each bloom
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    Clean them up and save the seeds if you want.  It doesn't look too much of a task if that is the only one you have.
    You don't need to throw them away - as per @Nanny Beach if they are planted well, they will continue next year.
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Hello Phillipa,yes I have a lot!
  • PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
    Thanks, both. They are planted in a good mix of MPC, JI3 and grit, and I have been careful not to over-water. They are also in full sun. No problems tidying them up, but I thought they were evergreen? Do they die off like other perennials?
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited September 2021
    Those ones are a bit iffy, but you can cut them back quite hard, or divide. Better in the ground than in a pot too. In a pot - they actually need well watered.  :)
    Evergreen, but ropey through winter, especially in wet areas. They certainly are here. 

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Well,ever "blue" or grey,the leaves,yes!
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Yes,fairy,I confess they haven't been watered enough!!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    @Nanny Beach - did you know you can edit your posts instead of having to start a new one? 
    The cog wheel top right is where to go  :)

    Dianthus always look rough after winter here, but they come back once weather improves. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    What do I do after clicking on the cogwheel?
  • PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
    @Fairygirl thanks. I am pretty sure it is not an over/under-watering problem, as I try to pay attention to advice on here as to what to do! I will cut them back and see what happens. This is the second lot I've had that have gone manky. I chucked last years out, but will give these ones a second chance. I'm just a bit surprised they look so bad so soon - if it was January, I wouldn't be so concerned! Interesting comments about this variety - I may need to try other ones - or maybe just grow other things  :)
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