What plant is this? - Ask Extension
Hello, we’ve had this annual plant in our garden for a number of years and we don’t know what it is. (Photo attached.)
It’s about ready to flo...
Knowledgebase
What plant is this? #751582
Asked May 23, 2021, 1:27 PM EDT
Hello, we’ve had this annual plant in our garden for a number of years and we don’t know what it is. (Photo attached.)
It’s about ready to flower - the blossoms are pink.
It’s a very hearty plant. Would it be appropriate for a ground cover?
Thanks for your help and advice!
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
It is a dianthus, dainty and charming. They do diminish in the heat so drifts are pretty in the spring but not showy at all later. It won’t hold up to foot traffic. It is usually used at the front of a border.
Thank you for your prompt response. This may not be the forum to ask, but wondering what would be a good ground cover for a west facing (hot and dry in summer) space in our south Minneapolis alley? It’s about 8 feet x 1.5 feet.
Thank you again!
On May 23, 2021, at 3:01 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
In my experience they need more water and soil with more fertility than they are likely to get. Choose plants that thrive in hot dry soils. Day lilies ( available in many colors), yarrow, moss roses, or native prairie plants tend to survive. It is a very challenging site and it will dry out quickly.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/dianthus/growing-dianthus-plants.htm
