A unique colour variety of Dianthus has been bred and named specifically for the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney’s 200th Birthday Year. Launched this week in the Garden’s iconic star-bed where it will feature this spring, ‘Let’s Celebrate’ is only available in Australia for gardening enthusiasts.
Developed in partnership with Syngenta Flowers (Australia), the new lavender-blue colour is a cross between Dianthus chinensis and Dianthus amurensis, and was named through a public naming competition run by the Gardens earlier this year.
‘Let’s Celebrate’ was chosen as an uplifting name that recognises the Garden’s birthday occasion. The colour variety was also considered vibrant and celebratory – a plant which will bring cheer to a home garden.
Executive Director of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Kim Ellis said: “We are delighted with the new Dianthus and love the name chosen. It is very fitting and represents yet another legacy for the community to enjoy from the Garden’s 200th Birthday year.”
A premium spring and summer garden performance variety, ‘Let’s Celebrate’ will enhance any garden or patio planting for months. Dianthus species are very hardy and quite versatile, ideal for showy displays in garden beds, great for border plantings and rockeries and are the perfect choice for potting up in all types of containers. These plants are best grown in a bright sunny position with a light, well-drained, yet moist soil.
‘Let’s Celebrate’ is available as a potted plant or seed packet during spring from all Flower Power Garden Centres. The flower will also be featured in the Garden’s Star bed, located in the Lower Garden near Farm Cove during spring.