DIANTHUS Cocktail Mojito

Overview of Dianthus 'Cocktail Mojito'

Dianthus 'Cocktail Mojito' is a charming and compact perennial known for its vibrant, lime-green flowers with fringed edges and a delightful clove-like fragrance. Part of the Caryophyllaceae family, this Dianthus variety is perfect for garden beds, borders, rock gardens, and containers. Its long blooming season and low maintenance make it a favorite among gardeners.

Planting and Soil Requirements

• Soil Type: Prefers well-draining soil, such as sandy or loamy soil. Avoid heavy clay soils which retain water.
• Soil pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5 to 7.5).
• Planting Location: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Full sun encourages the best flowering.
• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate, allowing the plant to establish roots before extreme weather.

Watering and Humidity

• Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, Dianthus 'Cocktail Mojito' is moderately drought-tolerant.
• Humidity Needs: Prefers moderate to low humidity. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
• Mulching: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, but ensure mulch does not touch the plant stems to prevent rot.

Fertilizing

• Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a well-rotted compost.
• Fertilizing Schedule: Fertilize in early spring and again after the first flush of blooms to encourage continuous flowering.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Pruning Time: Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and maintain plant appearance.
• Maintenance: Cut back stems after flowering to promote bushier growth and potentially a second bloom in late summer or fall. Remove any dead or damaged foliage as needed.

Light Requirements

• Light Conditions: Prefers full sun for optimal flowering. Can tolerate partial shade, but blooming may be reduced.
• Indoor Growing: Can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny location, but typically thrives best outdoors.

Propagation

• By Division: Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring or fall to rejuvenate plants and prevent overcrowding. Replant divisions immediately.
• By Cuttings: Take non-flowering stem cuttings in late spring or early summer. Root cuttings in a moist, well-draining growing medium.
• By Seed: Sow seeds in early spring indoors or directly in the garden after the last frost.

Pests and Diseases

• Common Pests: Generally pest-resistant, but can occasionally attract aphids, slugs, and snails.
• Disease Resistance: Susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot if grown in poorly drained soil. Ensure good air circulation and proper drainage.

Winter Care

• Cold Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 3-9. Can withstand cold temperatures and frost.
• Winter Protection: In colder regions, apply a thin layer of mulch in late fall to protect the roots from freezing temperatures. Avoid heavy mulching to prevent rot.

Benefits and Uses

• Ornamental Value: Provides vibrant, long-lasting lime-green blooms that add color and interest to garden beds, borders, rock gardens, and containers.
• Fragrance: Emits a delightful clove-like fragrance, making it a pleasant addition near patios and walkways.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscapes.
• Cut Flowers: Excellent for fresh flower arrangements and bouquets.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Lack of Blooms: Often due to insufficient sunlight or poor soil fertility. Ensure the plant receives adequate sun exposure and fertilize if necessary.
• Yellowing Leaves: Can indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Adjust watering practices and improve soil drainage.
• Leggy Growth: Typically due to too much shade. Move the plant to a sunnier location.

Additional Tips

• Companion Plants: Pairs well with other sun-loving perennials such as Lavender, Salvia, and Sedum.
• Watering Tips: Water deeply and infrequently rather than shallowly and frequently to encourage deep root growth.
• Soil Amendments: Incorporate organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve soil structure and fertility if necessary.

Summary of Care

• Soil: Well-draining, slightly alkaline to neutral.
• Light: Full sun to partial shade.
• Water: Regular watering initially, moderately drought-tolerant once established.
• Fertilizer: Balanced, slow-release in early spring and after the first bloom.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers, cut back after flowering.
• Propagation: By division, cuttings, or seed.
• Pests/Diseases: Generally pest-resistant; monitor for fungal diseases.

Conclusion

Dianthus 'Cocktail Mojito' is a versatile and attractive perennial that adds a splash of color and delightful fragrance to any garden. With its minimal care requirements, moderate drought tolerance, and ability to attract pollinators, it is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Proper planting, watering, and occasional pruning will ensure that this beautiful Dianthus thrives and continues to enhance your garden with its vibrant lime-green blooms year after year

• Size
  3 Litre

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.