Perennials

Carnation 'Key Lime Pie'

Dianthus

Dianthus 'Key Lime Pie': 30 cm high and 30 cm spread, sun exposure. White, green blooms in June-September. Zone 5; choose soil compatible with its moisture needs.

Format

Share
Exposure
Sun
Life cycle
Hardy perennial
Hardiness
Zone 5

Discover the plant

Common nameCarnation 'Key Lime Pie'
FamilyCaryophyllaceae
GenusDianthus
CultivarKey Lime Pie
TypeHardy perennial
Botanical nameDianthus

The silhouette of ‘Key Lime Pie’ Carnation (Dianthus ‘Key Lime Pie’) adds depth to garden compositions. Among its distinctive features: fragrant flowers. The foliage displays shades of green, to be highlighted among different textures. The usual flowering period is June-September. At maturity, expect 30 cm in height and 30 cm in width, which makes it suitable for use at the front of borders and rock gardens.

Successful cultivation of ‘Key Lime Pie’ Carnation begins with its location: full sun, in suitable soil (well-drained, rather light; avoid waterlogged areas around the crown). After planting ‘Key Lime Pie’ Carnation, water enough to thoroughly moisten the root ball. Once established, allow the surface to dry between waterings and prioritize drainage, especially during warm spells. A 30 cm spacing corresponding to its spread prevents having to move the clump in the first few seasons. The indicated hardiness zone is 5, to be assessed according to your garden's conditions.

To maintain the appeal of ‘Key Lime Pie’ Carnation after flowering, remove spent blooms and avoid watering that leaves the crown saturated at the end of the day. The carnation's crown should remain clear; lower leaves do not tolerate a layer of wet mulch pressed against them. For plant associations, consider yarrows, border salvias, upright sedums in varieties with similar needs. Keep its 30 cm height in mind to place lower plants on the correct side and allow the flowers to be visible during June-September.

Œillet ‘Key Lime Pie’ — Dianthus

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Spacing / density 30 cm
Best planting time Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing time for the roots to settle before the severe cold.
Propagation Division of clumps; stem cuttings. Sowing does not guarantee the fidelity of a named cultivar.
Growing method
Dianthus 'Key Lime Pie': Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing the roots time to establish before the severe cold. After planting Dianthus 'Key Lime Pie', water enough to thoroughly moisten the root ball. Once established, allow the surface to dry between waterings and prioritize drainage, especially during thaws. The crown of the dianthus must remain clear; the lower leaves do not tolerate a layer of damp mulch pressed against them.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

neutral; general indication of the botanical group

Care level

Routine maintenance

Watering

After planting Dianthus 'Key Lime Pie', water enough to thoroughly moisten the root ball. Once established, allow the surface to dry out between waterings and prioritize drainage, especially during thaws.

Soil type

Draining, rather light; avoid water pockets around the collar

Fertilization

Fertilizer for flowering

Moisture

Low to medium after establishment; drainage priority

Seasonal care

Dianthus ‘Key Lime Pie’: remove faded flowers and avoid watering the crown at the end of the day. During its flowering period (June-September), also check for damaged stems and neighboring plants that might be overshadowing the clump.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

Stable, perforated container, significantly wider than the root ball; size to be adapted to the format sold and to adult development.
To try Dianthus 'Key Lime Pie' in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (30 cm). Water must drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than if it were planted in the ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.
Œillet ‘Key Lime Pie’ — Dianthus

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

12 inches (30.5 cm)

Width / spread

12 inches (30.5 cm)

Flower color

YELLOW

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Persistent to semi-persistent depending on the climate and winter conditions

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Erected

Fragrance

Fragrant flowers

Bloom period

June-September
Œillet ‘Key Lime Pie’ — Dianthus

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Associations to consider for ‘Key Lime Pie’ Carnation: yarrows, border sages, upright sedums. Choose varieties that tolerate sun and comparable humidity; allow each clump its mature space.

Plants to avoid

Around ‘Key Lime Pie’ Dianthus, especially avoid neighbors that would cover its leaves or strongly compete with its root ball. Compatibility of light, water, and spread takes precedence over a list of so-called enemy plants.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

Where to plant Carnation 'Key Lime Pie'?
Expect sun and suitable soil (draining, rather light; avoid water pockets around the collar). The carnation's collar must remain clear; lower leaves do not tolerate a layer of damp mulch pressed against them.
Where should 'Key Lime Pie' Carnation be placed?
Allow for approximately 30 cm in height and 30 cm in width at maturity. Approximately 30 cm between centers, to be adjusted based on the actual development of the clump. This size is suitable for use as a foreground in borders and rock gardens.
When does Dianthus 'Key Lime Pie' bloom?
The period indicated is June-September. The flower palette is white, green. The exact date and duration depend on the climate, season, and plant establishment.
How to water and care for Dianthus 'Key Lime Pie'?
After planting Dianthus ‘Key Lime Pie’, water enough to thoroughly moisten the root ball. Once rooted, allow the surface to dry out between waterings and prioritize drainage, especially during thaws. Remove spent flowers and avoid watering that leaves the crown soaked at the end of the day.
Can 'Key Lime Pie' Dianthus be grown in pots?
To try Dianthus 'Key Lime Pie' in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (30 cm). Water must drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than you would in the ground. Plan for container protection in winter depending on your climate.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.