Dianthus 'Cherry Pie'
Dianthus 'Cherry Pie' is a compact perennial pink with vivid cherry red flowers, silvery blue green foliage, and a rich clove like fragrance. Its sturdy stems hold the blooms neatly above the foliage and its long blooming habit makes it especially useful for sunny borders, rock gardens, and containers.
Height & Spread: 8 - 12 in x 8 - 12 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Average to dry well drained soil
Watering Needs: Low; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant
Native Status
Dianthus 'Cherry Pie' is a cultivated hybrid and is not native to North America. It was selected for its vivid flowers, compact habit, fragrance, and long blooming performance.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts butterflies including Painted Ladies and other nectar seeking species which visit the long lasting flowers throughout the bloom season.
Hummingbirds
- Can attract hummingbirds to its brightly colored flowers while adding a useful nectar source to sunny pollinator plantings.
Bees
- Draws native bees and bumblebees which forage among the fragrant flowers for nectar.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 10 - 12 in apart to create a full edging or border planting while allowing enough room for each compact mound to develop.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for sunny front borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and containers where its bright flowers, silvery foliage, and fragrance can be enjoyed up close.
Companion Plants
- Nepeta faassenii 'Walker's Low' (Catmint) - Provides soft lavender blooms and spreading foliage that contrast beautifully with the upright cherry red flowers.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Meadow Sage) - Adds vertical purple flower spikes that complement the low mounding form and extend pollinator interest.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' (Threadleaf Coreopsis) - Brings fine textured foliage and golden flowers that create a bright contrast in sunny beds.
- Sedum 'Autumn Joy' (Stonecrop) - Provides sturdy late season flower heads that carry the planting forward as Cherry Pie begins to finish blooming.
- Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) - Echoes the silvery foliage while adding fragrance and a complementary purple flower color.