Product Description
Dianthus 'Paint the Town Magenta' PP29222 CPBR5816 (30)ct Flat
Paint the Town Series
Common Name: Pinks
Members of the Paint the Town Series are prized for their bright colors and increased heat tolerance. This translates to better performance nearly nationwide, even in the heat-loving states. Flowers appear in early summer, and a quick shearing after flowering will encourage them to rebloom in early fall. This is the perfect size to edge the front of the sunny border and use in combination containers.
‘Paint the Town Magenta’ is one of the earliest Dianthus to bloom, producing ¾-1” wide, single vibrant magenta pink flowers and incredibly serrated petals. Flowers completely cover the plant when it’s in peak. Its glaucous blue foliage set it apart from other Dianthus of its type.
In the carnation family, Dianthus cultivars deliver gorgeous single, semi-double, and fully double flowers. Singles tend to deliver more flowers while doubles are significantly larger, sometimes more than twice the size. Singles also tend to grow quicker and can appear like a carpet in the landscape at maturity.
Dianthus grow best in loose, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Lime can be added to the soil if it is naturally acidic to raise the pH. 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.
Do a thorough clean-up in the fall to prevent pest and disease problems 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.
2022 Proven Winners National Perennial of the Year
Height: 6.0-8.0 Inches
Spread: 12.0-14.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Purple-red shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Average Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Summer - Early Fall
Attracts Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads
Evergreen
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Fragrant Flowers, Fragrant Foliage, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant, Small
Dianthus 'Paint the Town Magenta' was the 2022 Proven Winners National Perennial of the Year. This charming evergreen perennial boasts masses of single, vibrant magenta-pink flowers with incredibly serrated petals. It blooms in early summer and early fall, with the potential for reblooming if properly cared for. The eye-catching blossoms rise just above a tight, compact mound of grassy, glaucous-blue leaves. The flowers are produced in such abundance that they literally cover the foliage. Easy to grow and very 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 'Paint the Town Magenta' is one of the earliest Dianthus to bloom. It has vibrant magenta-pink flowers with serrated petals and glaucous-blue foliage. Unlike many other Dianthus varieties, 'Paint the Town Magenta' is exceptionally heat tolerant, making it a great choice for warmer climates. It is also deer resistant. This versatile plant is ideal for beds and borders, garden edging, rock gardens, cottage gardens, or containers. It attracts bees and butterflies, adding to its appeal in a pollinator-friendly garden. As a hybrid, it combines desirable traits from different Dianthus varieties. It grows up to 8-10 inches tall and 12-14 inches wide. While generally low-maintenance, it is important to note that it is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
How to Grow and Care Dianthus 'Paint the Town Magenta' is relatively easy to grow and care for, but providing the right conditions will help it thrive.
- Soil This Dianthus thrives in loose, well-drained soils. Slightly alkaline to neutral pH soils are preferable. Avoid heavy clay soils, as they tend to retain too much moisture, which can lead to root rot. Amending the soil with organic matter, such as compost, can improve drainage.
- Sunlight Dianthus 'Paint the Town Magenta' performs best in full sun to part shade. Aim for at least six hours of sunlight per day for optimal flowering. While it can tolerate some shade, especially in hot climates, prolonged periods of shade can result in less vigorous growth and fewer blooms.
- Watering This Dianthus has average water needs. It is drought tolerant once established but should be watered regularly during periods of hot, dry weather. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
- Spacing Space plants 12-15 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth. Proper spacing helps prevent overcrowding, which can reduce flowering and increase the risk of diseases.
- Fertilizing Dianthus 'Paint the Town Magenta' has no special fertilizing needs. One application of a balanced garden fertilizer in early spring is sufficient to support healthy growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
- Winterizing To prepare your Dianthus for winter, remove all dead and fallen plant matter to prevent rot or damage. Although it is an evergreen perennial, it may look a bit worn after harsh winters but will recover as spring begins. In colder regions, consider applying a light layer of mulch after the ground freezes to provide extra protection.
- Pruning Little to no pruning is needed for Dianthus 'Paint the Town Magenta'. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage additional flower production and maintain a tidy appearance. You can also cut blooms for fresh or dried arrangements.
- Hardiness Zones Dianthus 'Paint the Town Magenta' can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. This means it can tolerate winter temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C).
Bloom Time and Duration This Dianthus is a long bloomer, with flowers appearing in early summer and lasting for several weeks. Shearing after the first flowering encourages reblooming in early fall, extending the enjoyment of these vibrant flowers. This extended blooming period makes it a valuable addition to any garden, providing continuous color throughout the growing season.
Pests and Diseases Dianthus 'Paint the Town Magenta' is relatively pest and disease free. However, some potential problems can occur. Overwatering or heavy mulch can cause crown rot. Poor drainage can result in stem rot or root rot. Insect pests can include slugs and snails, sow bugs, spider mites, or grasshoppers. Dianthus 'Paint the Town Magenta' is also susceptible to leaf spots caused by various fungal pathogens such as Alternaria and Cladospor. To minimize the risk of diseases, ensure proper air circulation, avoid overwatering, and practice good garden hygiene.
Companion Plants Dianthus 'Paint the Town Magenta' pairs well with a variety of other plants that share similar growing conditions. Some suitable companion plants include:
- Heliopsis helianthoides 'Tuscan Sun' (False Sunflower)
- Allium 'Millenium' (Millenium Onion)
- Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass)
- Festuca 'Blue Whiskers'
- Lavandula SWEET ROMANCE®
- Leucanthemum 'Banana Cream II'
- Nepeta 'Cat's Pajamas'
- Sedum 'Lemonjade'
- Veronica 'Very Van Gogh'
Dianthus 'Paint the Town Magenta' stands out with its exceptional heat tolerance and ability to rebloom, making it a reliable source of vibrant color throughout the growing season. Its low-maintenance nature and suitability for various garden settings, from borders to containers, make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. The profusion of fragrant magenta-pink flowers and attractive glaucous-blue foliage make it a delightful addition to any garden, attracting pollinators and providing long-lasting beauty.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
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Healthy Dianthus
Healthy and happy Paint-the-town-Magenta Dianthus packaged well.