Dianthus carthusianorum origins as an ornamental is wreathed in the mists of time; it’s said Carthusian monks from the 11th century favored it in their gardens, combining beauty with utility. Once overlooked but never forgotten, it is now a trendy plant, adding a memorable spark and an airy lightness to meadows and dry borders, lovely mixed with grasses and penstemons. Tall, wiry stems emerging from a tuft of low grass-like foliage hold clusters of brilliant magenta flowers at the tips.

A Northern Sunset Perennial, it prefers average, well-drained soil in full sun to part sun.

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