Dianthus Spiked Punch
Dianthus 'Fruit Punch' photo courtesy of Walters Gardens
Pinks

Dianthus 'Spiked Punch' has vibrant, fuchsia pink, double flowers with deep red eyes and heavily serrated petals. The flowers are a little larger than most of the other members of the series at 5 cms across. Steel blue foliage compliments the bright flower colour well and remains a focal point even when the plant is not in bloom.
Members of the Dianthus FRUIT PUNCH® series share the following traits: semi to fully double, fragrant flowers, and good heat and humidity tolerance. Flowers appear in early summer, and a quick shearing after flowering will encourage them to rebloom in early fall. FRUIT PUNCH® Dianthus are just the right size to edge the front of the sunny border and use in combination containers.

  • Height: 15-20 cm (6-8 in)
  • Spread: 30-35 cmm (12-14 in)
  • Cold Hardiness: Zone 4-9
  • Sun or Shade: minimum 4 hours of full sun
  • Bloom Time: late spring to early summer
  • Leaf Colour: steel blue
  • Bloom Colour: fuchsia pink
  • Critter Resistance: deer and rabbits
  • Nature Attraction: bees and butterflies

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Dianthus grow best in loose, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils. 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. Plant them at the same level they were growing in the pots, Pinch or snip off dead flowers to prevent seed formation and encourage additional blooming. At the end of the growing season, cut flower stems back to the ground. Mulch is helpful but keep it away from the crown of the plant.

 

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