Dianthus Cherry Vanilla (Pink)

Perfect for small spaces, Dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla' (Pink) is a charming evergreen perennial with masses of sweetly scented, fully double, carnation-like, deep red flowers, 1.5 in. across (4 cm), adorned with a very light pink picotee edge. Blooming in early summer and early fall, the eye-catching blossoms rise above a low mound of grassy, blue-green leaves. Easy to grow, and heat and humidity tolerant, this garden pink is perfect for adding a splash of color to the garden. It is an excellent addition to the front of sunny borders, rock gardens or decorative containers. Dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla' belongs to the Fruit Punch series.

• Grows up to 8-10 in. tall (20-30 cm) and 8-12 in. wide (20-30 cm).
• Performs best in full sun to part shade in loose, neutral to slightly alkaline, well-drained soils. Drought and salt tolerant. However, the foliage will not be as lush and fewer flowers will be produced if this dianthus is grown in hot, dry areas. Regular watering during prolonged dry spells will be necessary.
• Extremely versatile, this Dianthus is ideal for beds and borders, garden edging, rock gardens, cottage gardens, or containers.
• Attracts bees and butterflies, but is ignored by deer.
• Shearing after flowering will encourage this dianthus to rebloom in early fall.
• Do a thorough clean-up in the fall to prevent pest and disease issues, and 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.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.