Growing guide · Perennials

Dianthus hybrid

How to grow Dianthus 'Wp20 Ppa01 (Fire Star Improved)'.

Small, red, and spicy-scented.

Light
Full sun
Water
Low
Zones
4–9
Size
5–7 in. tall and wide
Spacing
8–10 in. apart along an edge.
Pets
Not on the ASPCA pet-safe list; keep it out of reach
See sizes · from $36.99
Low mound of blue-green dianthus foliage covered in single scarlet flowers with dark centers

Light

Full sun. In shade it stops blooming and gets sparse.

Water

Water weekly until established, then only when dry. Never let it sit wet.

Planting and soil

Plant in spring or early fall in gritty, well-drained soil with the crown slightly high.

Feeding

None, or a light hand of compost. Rich soil shortens its life.

Pruning

Shear spent flowers back to the foliage after the first flush to get a second round.

Through the year

Foliage holds year-round in most zones. Main bloom May to June, scattered rebloom into summer.

If something's off

Crown rot in wet or heavy soil is the usual killer. Dianthus is mildly toxic to pets if chewed.

Plays well with

Plant it with friends.

Stonecrop 'John Creech'
Sedum spurium (Phedimus spurius)Stonecrop 'John Creech' from $29.99
Catmint 'Purrsian Blue'
Nepeta × faasseniiCatmint 'Purrsian Blue' from $30.99
Speedwell 'Royal Candles'
Veronica spicataSpeedwell 'Royal Candles' from $30.99

Why we stock it: Bright color and real fragrance in a plant small enough for any sunny edge.

That's everything we know about growing it. Thanks for reading.

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