Dianthus mooiensis is a perennial herb with a woody base. Leaves in widely spaced pairs, narrow, tapering to long point, up to 8 cm long x 3 mm. Pink or white flowers that are clearly identifiable by the ragged fringes of the petals. The narrow, fringed blade is ± twice as long as wide. Inflorescence forking irregularly. Flowers singly on long stalks. Calyx tube with five segments. Petals five with long stalks inside calyx, broader and spreading outside. Flower size and colour can vary considerably.

These beautiful carnations usually grow very close to tufted grass that supports their straggly habit The frilly carnation really comes to its own if interplanted with grasses. Plant in a well-drained soil.

Dianthus mooiensis sprouts annually from a woody rootstock.