Plants of the month: Dianthus and Amaranth

Dianthus

If it’s a colourful show you are after these little stunners can be coaxed into flowering throughout the year!

They lend form and texture to borders, rockeries, small flower beds and balconies while their generosity of flowers, with a little coaxing, promise a bright splash of year-round colour.

How to plant:

Plant your seedlings 15cm apart, with a thick layer of mulch between the plants, in a sunny position – although they will tolerate some shade in summer – in compost enriched soil and give them a fortnightly booster of a well-balanced fertiliser to ensure a bumper crop of blooms.

Being “water-wise” Dianthus prefer infrequent but deep wateringanother plus for this family of favourites.

Amaranth

Also known as Gomphrena – these lovely globe like flowers are not very well known, at least not yet. Their intense purple blooms are an eye catching addition to any garden though and will no doubt have your guests asking about them before the drinks are even served.

How to plant:

Our hot and humid summer is the ideal climate for these stunners to thrive. They are both heat and fairly drought tolerant and work well in both containers or as borders and edging.

Gomphrena do best in half shade and full sun positions in well-draining soil. They grow to about 60cm in height and make excellent cut flowers.

The showy blooms attract butterflies too, so make sure to place them where they can be appreciated for both the blooms and their visitors.

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