A gorgeous perennial with masses of semi-double, dark cherry-red flowers fringed in frosty pale pink atop a low mound of silvery blue foliage..
The deeply fragrant, semi-double blooms of Dianthus Fruit Punch are borne throughout the year, but mass in the heaviest flowering during cooler months. Soft, mounding, silvery blue foliage also holds its own when flowering slows during Summer. 'Black Cherry Frost' is particularly lovely with flecked, dark cherry petals edged in frosty pink.
Dianthus Fruit Punch are a dwarf formal clumping plant making them ideal for planting in garden borders, edging pathways, and displaying in smaller feature pots around your garden seating. They make a cheerful living bouquet for special people in your life. Cut flowers last well in small arrangements.
Dianthus Fruit Punch grows best in full sun to part shade locations in loose, well-drained soils. A neutral Ph soil level is preferred. They can tolerate dry conditions once established but will need a deep watering if they become exceedingly dry. Use liquid fertiliser regularly. Due to buds continually emerging from the flowers' stems, old flowers need to be removed to make way for the new. Simply pinch and twist the spent bloom or use sharp flower snips if you prefer.
Dianthus plumarius is native to the far northern hemisphere, growing across Central Europe through to Siberia, Russia. By the mid-1600s, collectors had carried Dianthus to England, and were particularly treasured in Scotland. These earlier introductions contributed to the tradition of the British 'Cottage Pink' garden.
Wear gloves & wash hands after gardening.
