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types of dianthus

Dianthus, known for their cheerful colours and spicy fragrance, are classic additions to New Zealand gardens. With their ruffled petals and long flowering season, these perennials and annuals offer gardeners a wealth of variety. Whether you’re after vivid flowerbeds, attractive borders, or vibrant patio pots, understanding the different types of dianthus will help you choose the best options for your outdoor space. Below, we’ll explore the main types of dianthus and introduce some stunning varieties available now at your local nursery.

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Acer Autumn Glory

Acer rubrum Autumn Glory produces lush foliage that emerges mid-green in spring, quickly ages to dark green, then turns bright red and orange in autumn before falling. It has an upright and broad growth habit, typically reaching 18 m tall and 8 m wide. Acer Autumn Glory makes for a magnificent specimen and is ideal for adding to a mixed planting in a large garden, using in avenue plantings, or planting for shade.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 18.00 m
Spread: 8.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Wind
Garden uses: Avenues, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Japanese, Modern
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Dianthus Memories

Dianthus Memories is a scented variety of Carnation that features masses of double, white, highly fragrant flowers. These stunning flowers are produced from spring through until late summer on short stems that rise above the foliage. This award-winning plant grows as a low mound of grassy, green-grey leaves which serve as a lovely backdrop to the flowers as it grows to 30 cm tall and the same wide. Dianthus Memories is a popular herbaceous perennial that is often grown in a container, included in borders and mixed plantings, mass planted for a spectacular show, or included in gardens around living areas.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 30 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Plagianthus regius as a small tree in a garden.
Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood)

Plagianthus regius, commonly known as Ribbonwood or Manatu, is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing native trees. It can reach 10–15 metres tall and...

From$24.77
Persimmon 'Fuyu' orange fruit on a table.
Persimmon Fuyu

Persimmon ‘Fuyu’ is a popular non-astringent variety producing sweet, crisp fruit with smooth orange skin. It’s perfect for eating fresh, drying, or...

From$442.93
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Agonis flexuosa After Dark

Agonis flexuosa After Dark, commonly known as the Peppermint Tree or Peppermint Willow, is an attractive, medium sized tree grown for its fine and...

From$41.33
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Fraxinus Green Glow

Fraxinus Green Glow is a variety of Ash grown for its rich and colourful foliage. This deciduous tree produces dense and lush, bright green foliage...

From$511.09
Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' lush, green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Mountain Green'

Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' is a robust New Zealand native shrub prized for its vibrant green foliage and dense growth. Perfect for creating privacy...

From$22.01
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Acer Skeeters Broom (Skeeters Broom Acer)

Acer palmatum Skeeters Broom is an impressive, small, Japanese Maple featuring a rich display of colourful foliage. New leaves emerge bright red in...

From$489.79
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Acer Brandywine (Brandywine Maple)

Acer rubrum Brandywine is an outstanding deciduous tree grown for its lovely form and striking autumn colours. It features lush, mid-green foliage...

From$344.95
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Tall Fescue

Tall Fescue is an excellent lawn grass choice for New Zealand homeowners seeking a dark green, tough, and attractive lawn. It is widely used by ready...

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Large Muehlenbeckia astonii shrub in a garden.
Muehlenbeckia astonii (Mingimingi)

Muehlenbeckia astonii, commonly known as the Wiggy Wig Bush or Shrubby Tororaro, is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub characterised by its...

From$20.63
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Fraxinus excelsior

Fraxinus excelsior, commonly known as the European Ash or Common Ash, is a large and stately, deciduous tree grown for its rich and colourful...

From$270.40
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Acer rubrum

Acer rubrum, commonly known as the Red or Canadian Maple, is an outstanding and colourful, deciduous tree. The leaves emerge mid-green in spring...

From$440.80
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Acer platanoides Nigrum

Acer platanoides Nigrum, commonly known as the Plane-Leaved Maple or Norway Maple, is a medium sized, deciduous tree with fantastically coloured...

From$344.95
Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' shrubs with lime-green flowers and lush, green foliage.
Hydrangea 'Limelight'

The 'Limelight' Hydrangea is a showstopping variety celebrated for its large, conical lime-green flower heads that gradually soften to cream, blush...

From$77.94
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Fraxinus Annesbrook

Fraxinus Annesbrook is a variety of Ash grown for its rich and colourful foliage. This deciduous tree grows quickly and produces dark green leaves...

From$511.09
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Acer platanoides

Acer platanoides, commonly known as the Plane-Leaved Maple or Norway Maple, is a large, deciduous tree featuring impressive autumn colours. The lush...

From$237.51
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Solanum jasminoides Grandiflora (Potato Vine)

“Grandiflora” is a variety of the commonly known, Potato Vine, and is an evergreen climber grown for its attractive, long-lasting flowers and...

From$30.29
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Acer palmatum Senkaki (Acer Senkaki)

Acer palmatum Senkaki is a stunning Japanese Maple or Coral Bark Maple due to its striking and delicate foliage. Small, soft looking leaves emerge...

From$344.95
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Acer palmatum Fjellheim (Fjellheim Japanese Maple)

Acer palmatum Fjellheim is an impressive Japanese Maple featuring a rich display of delicate foliage held on colourful stems. Leaves on this small...

From$536.65
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Acer palmatum dissectum Tamukeyama

Acer palmatum dissectum Tamukeyama is a variety of Japanese Maple that features a rich display of colourful, weeping foliage. The finely cut leaves...

From$344.95
An Acacia melanoxylon specimen tree.
Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood Wattle)

Acacia melanoxylon, commonly known as the Acacia Blackwood Wattle or Australian Blackwood, is an evergreen tree that grows rapidly to 30 m tall and...

From$270.40
Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki tree with lush green foliage.
Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki (Acer Hanami Nishiki)

Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki is a stunning Japanese Maple due to its delicate foliage and small stature. Small and soft looking leaves emerge...

From$553.69
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Acer palmatum Seiryu

Acer palmatum dissectum Seiryu is a Japanese Maple that features a rich display of colourful and delicate foliage. The finely cut leaves emerge lime...

From$344.95
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Acer palmatum dissectum Viridis

Acer palmatum dissectum Viridis is a variety of Weeping Japanese Maple (Laceleaf), that features a rich display of delicate, weeping foliage. The...

From$440.80
The best Citrus fertiliser in NZ
Citrus Fertiliser

Applying the correct citrus fertiliser in NZ is essential for achieving better quality fruit, higher yields, and a much healthier and...

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Clonex Rooting Hormone one litre bottle.
Rooting Hormone (Rooting Hormone)

Clonex is the preferred rooting hormone for nurseries across NZ and the world. It is the industry standard for rooting softwood, semi-hardwood, and...

From$181.05
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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

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Fruit Tree Fertiliser (Fruit Tree Fertiliser)

Fruiting plants respond well to fruit tree fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much healthier and brighter looking plant...

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Acer Esk Sunset (Eskimo Sunset Maple)

Acer pseudoplatanus Esk Sunset, commonly known as the Eskimo Sunset Sycamore Maple, is grown for its rich and colourful foliage. The lush leaves on...

From$425.89
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Bambusa 'Golden Goddess' (Bambusa Golden Goddess)

Bambusa multiplex Golden Goddess is a variety of Bamboo grown for its colourful, golden stems and graceful, dark green, fern-like foliage. It...

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Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

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Acer Autumn Glory

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acacia, Acer, Agonis, Bambusa, Dianthus, Fraxinus, Hydrangea, Muehlenbeckia, Persimmon, Pittosporum Plagianthus and Solanum, or related Categories - Citrus Fertiliser, General Garden Fertiliser, Native Plant Fertiliser, Rooting Hormone, Grass Seed, Evergreen Climbers, Persimmon Trees, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Maple Tree.

Search types of dianthus

Main Types of Dianthus

Dianthus is a diverse genus with hundreds of species and hybrids, but most garden varieties fall into three main categories:

Pinks (Dianthus plumarius)

This common type gets its name not from its colour, but from the frilled, “pinked” edges of its petals. Pinks are hardy perennials, often producing masses of flowers in shades from blush pink to white and red. Their compact, clumping nature makes them superb in borders and cottage-style gardens.

Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus)

Carnations are famous around the world for their ruffled beauty and spicy scent. Many hybrid varieties bloom profusely and are stars in both fresh and dried arrangements. They’re especially popular for cutting gardens, where their long stems and vibrant colours shine.

Sweet Williams (Dianthus barbatus)

Known for eye-catching clusters of flowers, Sweet Williams are typically biennial or short-lived perennials. Their blooms often display fascinating bicolour patterns, adding old-fashioned charm to garden beds and pollinator patches.

Beautiful Dianthus Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

Contemporary hybridisation brings exciting colours, patterns, and extended flowering periods. Here are some favourites that stand out among the many types of dianthus:

How to Grow Different Types of Dianthus

Most types of dianthus flourish in sunny spots with well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant, making them a great low-maintenance choice for New Zealand gardeners. Regular deadheading can encourage continual blooming, and many varieties handle light frosts with ease.

Whether you love timeless “cottage pinks” or modern hybrids, exploring the types of dianthus ensures you’ll find just the right plant for every corner of your garden. With unique forms and dazzling hues, dianthus truly delivers beauty and joy season after season.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Everyone knows classic varieties like Ficus benjamina variegata and Anemanthele lessoniana (Pheasant's Tail Grass), but you might just fall in love with Hebe 'Flame', Lemon 'Ponderosa', and Loropetalum chinense var Rubrum.
–The Plant Company

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