Dianthus FLOWERS Seed - Spring Beauty, Fragrant

Dianthus plumarius 'Spring Beauty' is a cottage garden classic celebrated for its intensely fragrant, fringed double flowers in shades of pink, rose, red, white, and bicolor. A semi-evergreen perennial that forms tidy, grass-like mounds of silver-green foliage, Spring Beauty blooms prolifically in spring and early summer and often rebounds in the cooler temperatures of fall. The rich clove-like fragrance is one of the most distinctive and beloved in the garden. Excellent as a border edging, rock garden plant, cut flower, and pollinator attractor. Deer resistant.

Plant Highlights

• Intensely fragrant double flowers — classic clove scent
• Fringed, ruffled blooms in pink, rose, red, white, and bicolor
• Tidy silver-green mounding foliage; semi-evergreen
• Excellent for borders, rock gardens, and cutting
• Attracts butterflies and bees; deer resistant

Growing Guide

Starting indoors: Sow 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Use sterile starter mix; sow seeds on the surface and barely cover. Keep at 60–65°F; germination in 14–21 days. Transplant after frost danger has passed.

Direct sowing: Sow directly outdoors after frost season when soil temperatures reach at least 40°F. Broadcast seeds and lightly rake into the soil no more than ⅛ inch deep. Keep moist until germination.

Site & soil: Full sun; well-drained, slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.5–7.5). Excellent drainage is critical — Dianthus does not tolerate wet feet. Space 10–12 inches apart.

Ongoing care: Deadhead spent blooms promptly to encourage a second flush of flowers. Divide clumps every 2–3 years to maintain vigor.

Planting Specs

• Type: Perennial
• USDA Zones: 3–9
• Height: 12–18 inches
• Bloom season: Spring; often reblooms in fall
• Bloom color: Pink, rose, red, white, bicolor — mixed
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, pH 6.5–7.5
• Deer resistant: Yes
• Germ temp: 60–65°F | Avg. germ time: 14–21 days
• Spacing: 10–12 inches