Dianthus superbus var. amoenus ("Kumoinadeshiko")

Japanese name: クモイナデシコ （雲居撫子、雲井撫子）
Scientific name: Dianthus superbus var. amoenus

[Overview]
A perennial 20–30 cm tall, found in alpine areas.
The stem is erect, branches in the upper part, and has swollen nodes.
The leaves are simple and opposite, linear to lanceolate, 3–9 cm long, and tinged with a powdery white.
The leaf bases clasp the stem.
Cymes at the stem tips bear flowers sparsely.
The base of the inflorescence has 1 pair of bracts, and the bract tips are pointed.
The flowers are pale pink, 5-petaled, about 4.5–5 cm across.
The petal tips are deeply split into thread-like segments.
The fruit is a cylindrical capsule that splits into 4 at the tip when ripe, releasing black seeds.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed, by division, or by cuttings.
It prefers a sunny, airy, well-drained soil.
Keep the soil pH neutral to slightly alkaline.
Water thoroughly when the soil surface dries, but keep it on the dry side, as excess moisture causes root rot and disease.
Apply slow-release fertilizer placed on the soil once a month in spring and autumn.
There are no particular pests or diseases.

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