Product Description
Dianthus 'Spiked Punch' PP28635 CPBR5817 (30)ct Flat
FRUIT PUNCH® Series
Common Name: Pinks
Incredibly vibrant fuchsia pink, double flowers have deep red eyes and heavily serrated petals. The flowers are a little larger than most of the other members of the series at 1½-2" across. Steel blue foliage complements the bright flower color well and remains a focal point even when the plant is not in bloom.
Members of the Dianthus FRUIT PUNCH® series share the following traits: semi to fully double, fragrant flowers, and good heat and humidity tolerance. Flowers appear in early summer, and a quick shearing after flowering will encourage them to rebloom in early fall. FRUIT PUNCH® Dianthus are just the right size to edge the front of the sunny border and use in combination containers.
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.
Height: 6.0-8.0 Inches
Spread: 12.0-14.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Pink 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
Imagine a vibrant burst of fuchsia pink blossoms filling your garden with a sweet, spicy fragrance. This is the allure of Dianthus 'Spiked Punch', a charming evergreen perennial that boasts masses of fragrant, double, carnation-like flowers. With its serrated petals and deep red eye, this plant is a true showstopper in any garden. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to cultivate and enjoy this delightful addition to your outdoor space.
This variety of Dianthus is characterized by its compact and bushy form, typically reaching a height of 6-8 inches, and spreading 10-14 inches wide. The flowers are a striking magenta pink with a bright red center, and the petals have a unique serrated texture. Interestingly, the petals also have a sweet taste, much like their fragrance. The blooms are larger than most other varieties in the Fruit Punch series, measuring 1½-2 inches across. The steel-blue foliage provides an attractive contrast to the vibrant flowers and remains a focal point even when the plant is not in bloom.
Comparing Flower Types It is worth noting that single-flowered Dianthus varieties tend to produce more flowers, while double-flowered varieties like 'Spiked Punch' have larger, more impactful blooms. This makes 'Spiked Punch' an excellent choice for those seeking a bold visual statement in their garden.
Common Names Pink 'Spiked Punch', Spiked Punch Pink, Fruit Punch Series, Pinks
Care Requirements Dianthus 'Spiked Punch' thrives in loose, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. If your soil is acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH level for optimal growth. It prefers full sun to part shade but can tolerate some dryness. However, in hot, dry areas, the foliage may not be as lush, and fewer flowers will be produced.
Watering Water regularly during root development and keep the soil consistently moist for optimal growth and flowering. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing Dianthus are moderate feeders. A good dose of compost or slow-release fertilizer in early spring will suffice.
Pruning Shear after flowering to encourage rebloom in early fall. Deadheading spent blooms will also improve the plant's appearance and promote further flowering.
Winterizing In the fall, clean up any dead or fallen plant matter to prevent pest and disease issues. Add a layer of mulch to protect the evergreen foliage, but be sure to remove it in early spring to prevent crown rot.
Growth Habits Dianthus 'Spiked Punch' is a relatively low-maintenance plant with a medium growth rate. It typically blooms in early summer with a second blooming period in the fall. With proper deadheading, it can bloom continuously throughout the growing season. The plant is deer-resistant and attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Origins This delightful perennial originates from Europe, bringing a touch of old-world charm to gardens around the globe.
Climate Suitability Dianthus 'Spiked Punch' exhibits good heat and humidity tolerance, making it a suitable choice for various climates, including those with warmer summers.
Garden Uses Dianthus 'Spiked Punch' is a versatile plant that can be used in various garden settings, including:
- Beds and borders
- Garden edging
- Rock gardens
- Cottage gardens
- Containers
- Erosion control
- Underplanting
Versatility Beyond its use as a fresh flower in the garden, Dianthus 'Spiked Punch' can also be dried and enjoyed in arrangements, adding to its versatility.
Pests and Diseases While generally hardy, Dianthus 'Spiked Punch' can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. These include leaf spots caused by fungal pathogens like Alternaria and Cladosporium, as well as pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and thrips. Regular monitoring and appropriate treatments can help keep these issues at bay.
Dianthus 'Spiked Punch' is an ideal choice for gardeners. Its vibrant fuchsia pink flowers, attractive steel-blue foliage, and low-maintenance nature make it a desirable addition to any garden. This perennial thrives in the heat and humidity, making it well-suited for the local climate. Whether used in borders, rock gardens, containers, or even for erosion control, 'Spiked Punch' offers versatility and visual appeal.
To ensure its success in your garden, remember to provide well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, water regularly during dry spells, and shear after flowering to encourage reblooming. While generally hardy, be mindful of potential pests and diseases, and take precautions if you have pets, as the plant is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
Consider pairing Dianthus 'Spiked Punch' with other sun-loving perennials like yarrow, salvia, or lavender to create a vibrant and fragrant tapestry in your garden. With proper care, this charming plant will reward you with an abundance of beautiful blooms for years to come.
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!
