Japanese name: ディアンツス ミクロレピス Scientific name:Dianthus microlepis
[Overview]
A mat-forming perennial about 5 cm tall.
The plant as a whole is often tinged with gray.
Leaves are simple and opposite, linear to broadly lanceolate and 2 cm long, with the base clasping the stem.
The flowers are 5-petaled, about 1.5 cm across, borne singly at the stem tips, pink to pinkish purple, with finely notched petal tips.
The fruit is a capsule.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed.
It prefers sunny, well-ventilated, well-drained soil.
Soil acidity should be neutral to slightly alkaline.
Keep it somewhat on the dry side; for potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries.
For plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
Excess moisture causes root rot and disease.
In spring and autumn, place slow-release fertilizer on the soil once a month.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
