Dianthus 'Neon Star' is a compact mat forming perennial prized for its intensely bright magenta pink blooms and fine blue green evergreen foliage. Its fragrant flowers and tidy habit make it a favorite for pollinator friendly low maintenance plantings.
Height & Spread: 6 - 10 in x 10 - 12 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to summer with potential fall rebloom
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, alkaline to neutral soils; dislikes heavy clay
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
Cultivated hybrid variety derived from species native to Europe and Asia. Widely grown in temperate ornamental gardens.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts butterflies such as Painted Ladies and Small Whites with its bright color and sweet scent.
Bees
- Visited by honeybees and small solitary bees searching for nectar throughout its long bloom period.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 10 - 12 in apart to create a continuous, low growing mat and avoid crowding in well drained sites.
Landscape Placement
- Perfect for front of borders, rock gardens, and raised beds where drainage is excellent. Also well suited to containers, path edging, or mass planting in pollinator gardens.
Companion Plants
- Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) - Shares drought tolerance and sun requirements, with fragrant purple spikes that complement Dianthus color.
- Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme) - A low growing aromatic spreader that fills gaps between Dianthus clumps and attracts bees.
- Achillea millefolium 'Paprika' - Provides feathery foliage and red toned blooms that pair well with Dianthus pinks in dry borders.
- Salvia nemorosa 'May Night' - Offers vertical contrast and deep purple blooms that attract pollinators alongside Dianthus.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Brings bright yellow daisy like blooms and a fine texture to offset the dense mounds of 'Neon Star'.