Dianthus ‘Memories’

We’ve loved Dianthus ‘Memories’ for years on the nursery. It’s a modern variety but has the classic charm and wonderful spicy, fruity fragrance of an old-fashioned pink. The flowers are a brilliant, clean white and fully double, appearing in great number from late spring. They are held on sturdy stems above a neat mound of evergreen, blue-green foliage that provides interest all year round.

This is a compact, cushion-forming perennial, reaching about 30cm in height and spread. It’s a real sun-lover, asking for a spot in full sun and well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil. Good drainage is key, especially over winter, as it doesn’t like to sit in wet ground. Once it’s settled in, it’s quite tolerant of dry spells.

‘Memories’ is a low-maintenance plant that we find does brilliantly in pots and along the edges of paths. To get the most from it, deadhead the spent flowers regularly. This will encourage it to keep producing new blooms right through the summer. A light trim after the main flowering flush helps to keep the plant looking tidy and compact.