All media depicts mature plants.

'Scarlet Fever' Dianthus

Perennial

1 total reviews

DISCONTINUED
  • We no longer offer this product. Create a similar look with our Fruit Punch Raspberry Ruffles Dianthus!
  • Panicles of red flowers attract pollinators!
  • Excellent for fresh or dried floral arrangements.
  • Deer resistant, drought tolerant, and easy to grow.
  • Zones 4-9, sun/part sun, 20" tall and 30" wide at maturity.
  • ZONE
  • EXPOSURE
  • HEIGHT
Size: One Quart
Regular price $16.99
Sale price Sale: $16.99 Regular price Each
Total: $16.99
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Notify Me When Available
Hand-Picked at Our Greenhouse
Shipped to Your Door
Arrives as a Young Plant
60 Day Risk-Free Guarantee
Hand-Picked at Our Greenhouse
Shipped to Your Door
Arrives as a Young Plant
60 Day Risk-Free Guarantee
Hand-Picked at Our Greenhouse
Shipped to Your Door
Arrives as a Young Plant
60 Day Risk-Free Guarantee
Hand-Picked at Our Greenhouse
Shipped to Your Door
Arrives as a Young Plant
60 Day Risk-Free Guarantee
Hand-Picked at Our Greenhouse
Shipped to Your Door
Arrives as a Young Plant
60 Day Risk-Free Guarantee
Hand-Picked at Our Greenhouse
Shipped to Your Door
Arrives as a Young Plant
60 Day Risk-Free Guarantee

Description

'Scarlet Fever' dianthus (or Dianthus barbatus) may resemble a tall garden phlox from afar, but as you get closer, you're welcomed by the unmistakable fragrance and charm dianthus offers. 'Scarlet Fever' bundles vibrant red flowers into large panicles that bloom in late spring and early summer. It grows on an upright habit, reaching as tall as 20 inches, ideal for the front or middle of mixed beds. Enjoy the flowers in cut arrangements, fresh or dried, for a pop of color indoors.

Dianthus is a pollinator-friendly perennial that is easy to grow, even for beginners. It's unbothered by deer and tolerant of heat, drought, and salt. Try planting it in patio containers, cottage gardens, and even rock gardens for a colorful display!

Details

Botanical name: Dianthus barbatus 'Scarlet Fever'
Patent #: USPP 30,454
Common name: Dianthus, carnation, perennial sweet william
Zone: 4 – 9
Sun exposure: Sun (6+ hours sun) to part sun (4-6 hours sun)
Height x width: 20″ x 30″
Flower color: Red
Foliage color: Blue-green
Season of interest: Spring and summer
Bloom time: Late spring, early summer
Features: Rare & unusual, heat tolerant, fragrant, drought tolerant, deer resistant, container plants, cold tolerant, best beginners
Uses: Accent, alpine and rock, container gardening, edging, ground cover, massing, slopes, rock garden, slopes, small spaces, cottage garden, pollinator garden

How to Grow

Soil: Dianthus aren’t particularly fussy about soil, though they do require good drainage.
Light: Full sun is preferred; it can grow in part shade, though the blooms will not be as prolific.
Water: Average water needs. Drought tolerant once established but should be watered regularly during periods of hot, dry weather.
Spacing: 28 inches
Fertilizing: Nothing special required; one application of garden fertilizer in early spring is sufficient.
Winterizing: Remove all the dead and fallen plant matter to prevent the risk of rot or damage. Evergreen perennial may look a bit tatty coming out of harsh winters but will recover as spring begins.
Maintenance & Pruning: Little to no pruning or maintenance needed. Though deadheading is not required, it will encourage additional flower production. Cut blooms as desired to use in arrangements.

All About Growing & Caring For Dianthus

Dianthus, known as ‘pinks,’ are vibrant, low-growing perennials with ruffled blooms in an array of red, pink, purple, and white colors. With dianthus, there is no need to sacrifice beauty for utility; it’s perfect for lining pathways or making a statement in a container. Here, we’ll show you how to grow and care for dianthus, discuss how to use dianthus and answer frequently asked questions about this prolific bloomer.

Learn More

Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live in a cold climate and/or want plants to fill in more quickly, plan to space at the shorter end of the range. If you live in a warm climate, are on a limited budget, or are willing to wait longer for plants to touch, use the higher end of the range. Using the larger number is recommended when calculating distance from a building or structure. There’s really no such thing as "maximum spacing": if you don’t want your plants to touch, you can space them as far apart as you’d like. All plant spacing is calculated on center, or in other words, the centers of the plants are spaced one half of their eventual width apart:

bush distance

Unless you are planting in a straight line, as you might for hedges or edging, space your plants in a staggered or zig-zag pattern for a more interesting and naturalistic look:

bush distance zigzag

Not sure just how many plants will fit in your garden? Our calculator gives you the exact amount of plants required for your space. Simply update the values and the calculator will re-calculate accordingly. Spacing information can be found in the 'How to Grow' tab on each plant's page.

Plant Spacing Calculator

ft
ft
in
Plants Needed
Enter your dimensions above
Grid preview will appear here showing preview