Dianthus glacialis Plant Care
Dianthus glacialis Haenke
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Dianthus glacialis, the glacier pink or ice pink, is a species of pink native to the eastern Alps and the Carpathians. A dwarf species, it reaches at most 10 cm, and prefers to grow on granite.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Dianthus glacialis?
Plant Dianthus glacialis in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Dianthus glacialis?
Dianthus glacialis (Dianthus glacialis) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Dianthus genus. Dianthus glacialis is native to the eastern Alps and the Carpathians.
Dianthus glacialis displays a compact, mounding habit growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Dianthus glacialis produces small, fragrant flowers in various colors like pink, red, white.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dianthus glacialis?
Water a young or newly planted Dianthus glacialis every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Dianthus glacialis Need?
Dianthus glacialis thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dianthus glacialis Prefer?
Dianthus glacialis tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Dianthus glacialis prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dianthus glacialis?
Well-draining, slightly alkaline soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Dianthus glacialis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dianthus glacialis?
Feed Dianthus glacialis every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Dianthus glacialis?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, slightly alkaline soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Dianthus glacialis is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Dianthus glacialis?
Dianthus glacialis can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Dianthus glacialis?
Prune Dianthus glacialis while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Dianthus glacialis in Winter?
Dianthus glacialis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Dianthus glacialis?
Dianthus glacialis can be propagated through seeds, division, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to carnation plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Dianthus glacialis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Dianthus glacialis?
Dianthus glacialis is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, slugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Dianthus glacialis Need?
Dianthus glacialis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Dianthus glacialis is native to the eastern Alps and the Carpathians. In cooler regions, grow Dianthus glacialis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Dianthus glacialis is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Dianthus genus — compare its care with other Dianthus species on PlantoScan.
Dianthus is part of the Caryophyllaceae plant family — browse all Caryophyllaceae genera and species.
Dianthus glacialis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dianthus glacialis Haenke, family Caryophyllaceae (first published in Collectanea 2: 84 (1789)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Dianthus glacialis is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
