Plants in family caryophyllaceae
Dianthus 'Coconut Surprise'
Dianthus 'Coconut Surprise' is a perennial known for its white double and semidouble flowers with burgundy centers and a spicy fragrance. It forms evergreen foliage that creates attractive tussocks and has a long bloom period. This plant is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in full sun to part shade. It is suitable for USDA Zones 5-9 and prefers well-drained garden soil.
Herniaria glabra
Herniaria glabra, also known as smooth rupturewort, is an evergreen groundcover that clings to the ground. It is often used as a filler between stepping stones and grows well in well-drained acidic sites. This plant is native to North America and Europe.
Saponaria ocymoides
Saponaria ocymoides is an evergreen groundcover with tiny button-sized leaves and small pink flowers that bloom from mid-April through June. It thrives in well-drained soil and cooler night temperatures, making it ideal for rock gardens and dry stone walls.
Dianthus plumarius 'Rainbow Loveliness'
Dianthus plumarius 'Rainbow Loveliness' forms a blue-green mound of leaves and produces masses of heavily fringed, edible blooms in colors ranging from white to pink, lilac, and rose. The flowers have a sweet, jasmine-like scent with mild clove-flavored petals, making them ideal for cottage gardens, cutting gardens, or perennial borders.
Dianthus barbatus 'Double Blend'
Dianthus barbatus 'Double Blend' is a biennial plant known for its large clusters of double flowers with a sweet and spicy scent. The mild-clove-flavored petals are edible and attract butterflies and bees. It flowers in the second year and may return in mild climates, though reseeding annually is recommended for consistent blooms.
Silene chalcedonica
Silene chalcedonica is an upright perennial with willowy stems and clusters of striking red flowers. It requires staking or support from other plants due to its less sturdy nature. This plant is suitable for mixing in borders and thrives in sunny locations.
Dianthus caryophyllus
Dianthus caryophyllus is a perennial known for its double blooms and blue-gray, grasslike foliage. It grows to about 14 inches tall and 12 inches wide, thriving in zones 6 through 9b. This plant is appreciated for its vibrant flowers and compact growth, making it suitable for various garden settings.
Dianthus 'Devon Yolande'
Dianthus 'Devon Yolande' is a fragrant perennial with double and semi-double flowers. It forms evergreen tussocks and is known for its drought tolerance and long blooming period.
Gypsophila repens
Gypsophila repens is a rock garden plant native to central and southern Europe, known for its airy sprays of tiny white flowers. It grows on dry, chalky slopes and forms a prostrate, mat-like structure, making it ideal for rock gardens or dry stone walls.
Dianthus borbasii
Dianthus borbasii is a delicate perennial native to Eastern Europe and western Asia, known for its airy appearance and small, watermelon-colored flowers. It thrives in sandy soils or areas with light disturbance, where it faces less competition from grasses. The plant produces flowers on tall stems, reaching up to 18 inches. This dianthus is well-suited for sunny locations and can attract butterflies to the garden. Its preference for less competitive environments makes it an excellent choice for areas with poor soil or light disturbance.
Silene subciliata
Silene subciliata is a rare plant endemic to east Texas and west Louisiana, featuring an evergreen basal rosette of glossy green leaves. It produces scarlet red star-shaped flowers from July until fall on a central stalk up to 4 feet tall.
Silene regia
Silene regia, commonly known as Royal Catchfly, is a striking perennial herb native to the tallgrass prairies of the American Midwest. It features bright red flowers that attract ruby-throated hummingbirds and swallowtail butterflies. This plant grows from a basal rosette, with flowering stems reaching heights of 2.5 to 4 feet. It thrives in full to part sun and prefers well-drained soils. Unfortunately, it is threatened by habitat loss and fire suppression. The vibrant blooms appear in June and July, making it a summer spectacle. As a rare native plant, it plays a crucial role in supporting local pollinators.
Silene virginica
Silene virginica, commonly known as Fire Pink, is a striking wildflower with brilliant red blooms. This small perennial is native to central and eastern North America and is often found in wildflower and rock gardens. Its lance-shaped leaves and sticky stems support flowers that are about 2 inches in diameter. The plant is endangered in several states, including Wisconsin and Florida, and is primarily pollinated by the ruby-throated hummingbird. Fire Pink thrives in well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant, making it a resilient choice for gardens. It forms a basal rosette of glossy green foliage and produces 12-inch stalks with reddish-orange flowers in June. The plant prefers partial sun to light shade and requires space to grow effectively.
Silene ovata
Silene ovata, also known as Blue Ridge catchfly, is a perennial with white fringed flowers and large opposite leaves. It blooms from June to September and is native to the southeastern United States. This plant thrives in dry to mesic forests and is listed as vulnerable and globally rare.
Dianthus caryophyllus 'Chabaud'
Dianthus caryophyllus 'Chabaud' is a colorful plant with flowers in shades of scarlet, purple, pink, white, yellow, and bicolored. It has blue-green foliage and is popular with butterflies. The petals have a mild clove flavor, making them suitable for culinary use.
Dianthus gratianopolitanus
Dianthus gratianopolitanus is a herbaceous perennial native to Europe, known for its fragrant rose pink flowers. It blooms from May to June and prefers full sun with medium water requirements. This plant is compact and does not tolerate wet winter soil.
Lychnis 'Streaker'
Lychnis 'Streaker' is a variegated sport of Lychnis 'Rolly's Favorite', known for its compact mound of creamy, speckled, hairy leaves. In early spring, it produces bright pink flowers on 15-inch tall stalks, adding a vibrant splash of color to gardens. This plant forms an 18-inch wide clump and is suitable for sun to part sun locations. Its unique foliage and colorful blooms make it an attractive choice for cottage gardens and perennial borders.
Dianthus 'Razzlepop'
Dianthus 'Razzlepop' is a hardy carnation forming a 1-foot tall by 2-foot wide mound of silver-blue foliage. It produces a dense show of fragrant, semi-double cerise-colored flowers with a prominent central darker red eye. This plant performs well in hot, humid, and rainy conditions, particularly in the southeastern United States.
Dianthus 'Goblin'
Dianthus 'Goblin' is a semi-dwarf perennial known for its striking maroon and pink banded blooms. This plant is a favorite among butterfly enthusiasts and thrives in sunny locations. Its compact size makes it ideal for borders and rock gardens, where it can add a splash of color. The plant is also rabbit-resistant, making it a practical choice for gardens prone to wildlife. Dianthus 'Goblin' is a hardy plant that can withstand various conditions, providing vibrant blooms throughout the growing season.
Arenaria montana 'Avalanche'
Arenaria montana 'Avalanche' is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial known for its pure white blossoms and silvery gray-green foliage. Blooming from late spring to early summer, it attracts pollinators and is drought-tolerant. This plant thrives in rocky, sandy, and dry soil, making it ideal for rock and alpine gardens. It requires full sun and is cold hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Silene virginica 'Jackson Valentine'
Silene virginica 'Jackson Valentine' is a compact plant with a basal rosette of linear green leaves. It produces 1-foot tall stalks of starry-shaped coral-red flowers in midsummer. Found on Salt Mountain near Jackson, Alabama, this plant is suitable for sunny locations and adds a vibrant splash of color to gardens. Its unique flower shape and color make it a standout feature in any landscape.
Dianthus 'Pomegranate Kiss'
Dianthus 'Pomegranate Kiss' is a compact plant with grey foliage and frilly double cherry-red flowers that bloom in April and May. Known for attracting hummingbirds, it performs well in heat and humidity, making it a vibrant addition to gardens.