Dianthus Pretty Poppers® 'Electric Red'

Dianthus Pretty Poppers® 'Electric Red': Saturated Red Over Silvery Cushions

Most pinks go bald in the middle after a few years, like your uncle. 'Electric Red' refuses to thin on top. Deep red, semi-double flowers sit on a dense silvery mound that keeps its hairline. HIGH VOLTAGE, FULL COVERAGE.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Dianthus hybrid
• Common Name: Pinks
• Series: Pretty Poppers®, from Walters Gardens
• Height: 20–25 cm (8–10 in)
• Spread: 40 cm (16 in)
• Flowers: Semi-double, deep red, about 4.5 cm (1.75 in) across, with toothed petal tips
• Bloom Time: Early summer, with rebloom into early fall after shearing (June to September)
• Foliage: Narrow, silvery blue-green leaves in a dense, low, semi-evergreen mound
• Features: Heat and salt tolerant, resists centre die-out, good for cutting

Where to Plant: It spreads wide, so use it as a small-scale groundcover at the front of a sunny border, along a path or in a rock garden. It's also good spilling over a container edge. Salt tolerance makes it a solid choice for curbside beds.

Companion Plants: Plant 'Electric Red' in a sunny, dry bed with tall hollyhocks behind and white pompoms beside it. Paeonia 'Border Charm' opens yellow, red-flared peonies at 45 to 60 cm in May and June. Echinacea Vanilla Drip™ adds double white pompom coneflowers at 45 to 60 cm from July to September. Alcea 'Radiant Rose' rises at the back to 175 to 180 cm with rose-pink hollyhocks from July to September. Panicum Prairie Winds® 'Cheyenne Sky' adds blades that turn wine red by midsummer.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun, in average, well-drained soil that's neutral to slightly alkaline. Drainage is the big one. Pinks rot in soggy winter soil, so add grit to heavy clay or plant on a slight rise. Water through the first season, then mainly in long dry spells. Shear off the spent flowers after the first flush to keep it tidy and encourage more blooms. Leave the foliage over winter and clean it up in spring. Divide every few years if needed.

History: 'Electric Red' was bred by Hans Hansen of Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan, from a 2013 cross between two unreleased seedlings with 'Fire Star', 'Candy Floss' and 'Pomegranate Kiss' in their background. It was selected in 2014 for its deep red colour, heat tolerance and resistance to centre die-out.

Final Thoughts: Give it hot sun and a haircut after the first show. IT RECHARGES FASTER THAN YOUR PHONE.