Choosing the right perennial to add to a garden can help to add the right color and textures to bring the garden to life. Dianthus is a great blooming plant that can add rich color and texture to any garden. Many stores sell this plant and it comes in many varieties. Not all varieties are considered perennials, so make sure to ask the garden expert at the store or read the plant insert before purchasing.

The following will provide a step-by-step how to on planting a perennial Alpine Dianthus Fire Star.

Planting a Dianthus

Step 1: Determine a good location in your garden providing full sun for the Alpine Dianthus.

Step 2: Clear away any debris or grass in the area for planting.

Step 3: Dig a hole slightly larger than the current plant base and about 3 inches deeper.

Step 4: Remove the Dianthus from the plastic pot by gathering the foliage of the entire plant in your hands near the root ball.

Step 5: Carefully loosen the roots splitting the bottom of the root ball to promote good root dispersion in the ground.

NOTE: Make the root ball do the splits in the hole to promote root growth.

Step 6: Gently place the root ball of the Dianthus in the hole separating the base of the roots.

Step 7: Generously water the plant and allow the ground to dry between watering.

Step 8: Secure the Dianthus with the dirt previously removed from the hole filling in all empty space.

Dianthus grow to a height of about 8 inches making it a great plant to use in the foreground of most flower beds.  The flowers come in many different colors from light pinks to dark reds, white, and purples. Adding a splash of color for the entire summer is easy with a perennial Dianthus. Keep the plant blooming by trimming away or deadheading spent flowers.

Do you have any gardening suggestions? What is your favorite variety or color of Dianthus? Feel free to post comments and questions below.