Dianthus 'Dragon Fruit' PPAF
Common Name: pinks; Fruit Punch Series
Zones 4 to 9.
Full sun to part shade.
Plants reach 8 inches tall and 12 inches wide;
Clumping habit.
Growth rate: Moderate.
Double, fragrant, bright pink, ruffled flowers with magenta markings around the center and edge of the petals. The fluffy looking 1.5 inch across flowers sit atop grassy mounds of grey-green foliage.
Dianthus grow best in loose, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Lime can be added to the soil if it is naturally acidic to raise the pH. Dianthus can be grown in full sun or part shade, but the foliage will not be as lush and fewer flowers will be produced if it is grown in hot, dry areas. Regular watering during prolonged dry spells will be necessary. However, they are tolerant of short periods of dryness.
Do a thorough clean-up in the fall to prevent pest and disease problems. In colder zones, add a layer of mulch to protect the evergreen foliage. As soon as the weather begins to warm up, remove all of this mulch to prevent crown rot.
Once established, they are quite drought tolerant.
Excellent as a border plant, in mass or containers, as cut flower or foliage, dried flower or seed heads, salt tolerant; fragrant flowers attract butterflies. Deer resistant. |
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