Get it growing with AgCenter

Special to the Herald-Guide

October 07, 2010 at 9:41 am  | Mobile Reader | Print 

The Amazon dianthus series is a Louisiana Super Plants selection for fall 2010. This outstanding cool-season bedding plant comes in three outstanding varieties, Amazon Neon Purple, Amazon Neon Cherry and Amazon Rose Magic.

The two primary species of dianthus in Louisiana gardens are Dianthus chinensis, also known as Chinese dianthus or pinks, and Dianthus barbatus, sweet William. When the plants bloom, the flower stalks are very similar to sweet Williams. The stocky flower stalks are clothed in narrow green foliage, rising about 2 feet above the base growth and producing large clusters of colorful flowers. Unlike sweet Williams, however, Amazon dianthuses do not have to go through winter cold to trigger flowering.

Purchase and plant these blooming plants this fall, and they will bloom through fall and intermittently during winter and then put on a traffic-stopping display of colorful flowers from late February or March though late May or early June.

Look for Amazon dianthuses in your local nurseries. Because these plants are Louisiana Super Plants selections, signs showing the logo, pictures of the plants and growing information will be placed in nurseries and garden centers around the state to help shoppers find and choose Louisiana Super Plants.