Dianthus ‘Floral Lace™ Picotee’: A Lace-Edged Bloom That Shines in Every Season
Dianthus ‘Floral Lace™ Picotee’ is a standout cultivar of Dianthus chinensis x barbatus, known for its exquisite lacy-edged blooms and remarkable garden resilience. Belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family, this hardy plant was developed through hybridization and is commonly attributed to the breeding programs of Ball Horticultural. Its beauty is matched by performance, thriving both as a cool-season annual and a short-lived perennial or biennial, depending on climate.
Floral Lace™ Picotee Dianthus Characteristics
Dianthus ‘Floral Lace™ Picotee’ displays an upright, compact growth habit and typically reaches 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 inches) in both height and spread. It produces extra-large, intricately edged flowers up to 4 cm (1.5 inches) across—some of the largest among D. chinensis x barbatus hybrids. These blooms stand out for their rich coloration and picotee patterning, providing interest from early spring through spring and again in autumn. Its foliage is bright green and narrow, offering a clean and tidy look that highlights the vibrancy of the flowers.
How to Grow Dianthus ‘Floral Lace™ Picotee’
Light
This Dianthus thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct light per day to produce its best blooms. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial, though full sun is ideal.
Soil
The plant prefers well-drained soils with good aeration. While not particularly finicky about pH, slightly alkaline to neutral soils work well. Amend heavy clay with compost or sand to improve drainage.
Watering
Dianthus ‘Floral Lace™ Picotee’ requires moderate watering. It’s best to allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering or letting the plant sit in soggy soil can lead to root issues and fungal problems. Water at the base to avoid wetting the foliage.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season to encourage lush foliage and continuous blooming. Feeding in early spring and again in midsummer supports both early and repeat flowering.
Deadheading and Maintenance
This cultivar benefits greatly from deadheading. Removing spent flowers by cutting them back to the nearest healthy leaf encourages additional blooming and maintains a tidy appearance. In autumn, reduce the plant size by a third to half if flowering slows down, which will promote strong branching in spring.
Propagation and Cultivation Notes
Propagate Dianthus ‘Floral Lace™ Picotee’ by division, though there are some restrictions due to breeder rights. In ideal conditions. This cultivar performs well in dense garden beds, containers, or small pots. It is suitable for high-density spring and fall plantings. They plant it as an annual in regions with cold winters but may survive multiple seasons in zones 6a through 8b, tolerating temperatures as low as -23.3°C (-10°F). A light winter mulch can help protect roots in marginal zones.
Pests and Diseases
While generally pest-resistant, watch for slugs, snails, and aphids, especially during extended damp weather. If plants are overcrowded or subjected to excessive moisture, you might notice fungal problems. Good air circulation, proper spacing of 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 inches), and careful watering practices minimize these risks.
Landscape Uses for Floral Lace™ Picotee
This Dianthus fits beautifully into a range of landscape designs. Its size and form suit border edging, cottage gardens, container displays, and rock gardens. Because it blooms early and withstands light frost, it’s a reliable color source for transitional seasons. Whether in formal plantings or naturalistic designs, it pairs well with other cool-season annuals and low-growing perennials.
Dianthus ‘Floral Lace™ Picotee’ brings elegance, durability, and easy care to the garden. With its lacy, show-stopping flowers and sturdy habit, it remains a favorite among gardeners looking for reliable early color and a touch of refined charm.
Final Thoughts
Dianthus ‘Floral Lace™ Picotee’ is a showy, resilient plant that rewards minimal care with months of vibrant blooms. Its large, delicately edged flowers add elegance to any garden setting, and its versatility makes it suitable for borders, containers, or massed bedding schemes. Whether you treat it as an annual, biennial, or perennial, this cultivar stands out as one of the finest in the Dianthus chinensis x barbatus group—proof that great things do come in small, lace-trimmed packages.
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