Product Description
Dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla' PP29684 CPBR6728 (30)ct Flat
FRUIT PUNCH® Series
Common Name: Pinks
There are only a few plants that can stop you in your tracks as you walk by, and this sparkling new Dianthus in the FRUIT PUNCH® series is one of them. 'Cherry Vanilla' has fully double, carnation-like flowers. 1½" wide, deep red flowers have a sharply contrasting, very light pink picotee edge that makes the color pop. The sweetly scented flowers appear proportionately above the narrow, blue-green foliage.
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: 8-10 Inches; Spread: 8-12 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Red shades; Foliage Color: Green shades - Blue shades
Full Sun to Part Shade
Low to Average Water Needs
Bloomtime: Early Summer - Early Fall
Attracts Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Evergreen
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Edging, Fragrant Flowers, Fragrant Foliage, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant
Dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla' is a charming and vibrant perennial, perfect for adding a touch of whimsy and delight to any garden. This captivating plant, a member of the Fruit Punch® series, is known for its fully double, carnation-like flowers that boast a striking deep red color with a delicate light pink picotee edge. The Fruit Punch® series is characterized by its semi to fully double, fragrant flowers, and excellent heat and humidity tolerance. With blooms appearing in early summer and again in early fall, Dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla' promises a long-lasting spectacle of color and fragrance.
Dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla' is a low-growing plant, typically reaching a height of 8-10 inches and a width of 8-12 inches. Its blue-green foliage provides a lovely contrast to the vibrant flowers, creating a visually appealing display in the garden. The flowers themselves are sweetly scented and measure approximately 1.5 inches across. This variety is also known for its heat and humidity tolerance, making it a reliable choice for gardens in various climates. As an added bonus, Dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla' is both deer resistant and salt tolerant , making it a versatile choice for a wide range of garden settings. It also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to a thriving garden ecosystem.
Growing and Caring for Dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla' Dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla' thrives in loose, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. While it prefers full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, it can also tolerate partial shade, although flowering may be less prolific in shadier conditions. This plant is drought tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during prolonged dry spells, especially in hot, dry areas. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
For optimal growth, fertilize with one application of garden fertilizer in early spring. To prepare for winter, remove all dead and fallen plant matter in the fall to prevent rot or damage. Although Dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla' is an evergreen perennial, it may appear slightly unkempt after a harsh winter, but it will recover as spring arrives. Deadheading spent blooms is not required but will encourage additional flower production.
It is important to note that Dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla' is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Keep this in mind when planting if you have pets that may be tempted to nibble on the foliage.
Hardiness Zones Dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla' is hardy in USDA zones 4-9. This means it can withstand winter temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C).
Bloom Time and Duration Dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla' typically blooms in early summer and early fall. Shearing after the first flowering will encourage rebloom in early fall.
Pests and Diseases While generally pest and disease-free when grown in the proper conditions, Dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla' can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases.
| Pests | Diseases |
| Aphids | Crown rot |
| Caterpillars | Root rot |
| Thrips | Leaf spots (Alternaria, Cladosporium) |
| Slugs and snails | Fusarium wilt |
| Sow bugs | |
| Spider mites | |
| Grasshoppers |
Fusarium wilt is a particularly troublesome disease that can affect Dianthus. Infected plants may initially develop a dull green color and eventually wilt and turn straw-colored. Symptoms often appear on one section of the plant, and the plant may wilt during the day and seem to recover at night.
Alternaria leaf spot is characterized by pale tan to brown spots with purple borders appearing on the leaves. These spots can vary in color, size, and number.
To prevent these issues, ensure good air circulation, maintain proper humidity levels, and avoid overwatering.
Uses in the Garden Dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla' is a versatile plant that can be used in various ways in the garden. Its compact size makes it ideal for:
- Beds and borders
- Garden edging
- Rock gardens
- Cottage gardens
- Containers
- Erosion control
It also makes an excellent cut flower for small arrangements.
Consider planting Dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla' with companion plants such as Echinacea SOMBRERO® Adobe Orange, Heuchera 'Black Pearl', Monarda 'Bubblegum Blast', Nepeta 'Cat's Pajamas', Phlox 'Cloudburst', or Veronica 'Wizard of Ahhs'. These combinations can create stunning visual displays and enhance the overall beauty of your garden.
If you are looking for alternative plants with similar characteristics, consider Dianthus Early Bird Frosty, Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Tiny Rubies', Dianthus carthusianorum, Dianthus Early Bird Radiance, Dianthus 'First Love', or Dianthus chinensis 'Velvet 'n Lace'.
Dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla', a standout variety in the Fruit Punch® series, is a beautiful and low-maintenance perennial that can bring vibrant color and sweet fragrance to your garden. Its striking deep red flowers with a light pink picotee edge are truly captivating, and its compact size makes it suitable for a variety of garden uses, from edging borders to gracing containers. The delightful fragrance adds another dimension to its appeal, making it a sensory delight for any gardener. With its easy care requirements and versatility, Dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla' is an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels. By following the growing and care tips outlined in this article, you can ensure that your Dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla' thrives and provides you with stunning 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!
