Dianthus Fruit Punch® 'Maraschino'

Dianthus Fruit Punch® 'Maraschino': Fragrant Cherry Red for Salty Edges

Every good drink needs a cherry on top, and 'Maraschino' takes the job very seriously. Fringed cherry-red flowers with a dark burgundy eye sit over spiky, silvery foliage. SWEET ON TOP, A LITTLE SPIKY UNDERNEATH, just like your favourite aunt.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Dianthus hybrid
• Common Name: Pinks
• Series: Fruit Punch®, a Proven Winners® perennial
• Height: 23–28 cm (9–11 in)
• Spread: 30–36 cm (12–14 in)
• Flowers: Semi-double to fully double, cherry red with a dark burgundy eye, 3–4 cm (1.25–1.5 in) across, with fringed petals and a sweet fragrance
• Bloom Time: Early summer, with rebloom after shearing (June to August)
• Foliage: Spiky, silvery-blue, evergreen leaves in a low mound
• Features: Fragrant, heat and salt tolerant, good for cutting

Where to Plant: Plant it at the front of a sunny border, along a walkway, in a rock garden or in a container where you'll catch the scent. It tolerates salt, so it's a good pick for beds along the driveway or sidewalk.

Companion Plants: Plant 'Maraschino' in a sunny, dry bed with silver leaves, lavender iris and white coneflowers. Stachys 'Silver Carpet' carpets the front at 10 to 15 cm with woolly silver leaves. Iris pallida 'Albovariegata' adds cream-striped leaves and lavender-blue flowers at about 60 cm in May and June. Echinacea SunMagic® Vintage White brings white coneflowers at 45 to 60 cm from June to September. Schizachyrium Prairie Winds® 'Blue Paradise' rises at 90 to 105 cm, silvery blue in summer.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part sun, in average, well-drained soil that's neutral to slightly alkaline. Pinks hate wet winter soil, so add grit to heavy clay or plant on a slight rise. Water regularly through the first season, then mostly during long dry spells. After the first flush of flowers, shear the plant back to tidy it and encourage a second round. Leave the foliage through winter and clean it up in spring. Divide every few years if the centre opens up.

History: 'Maraschino' was bred by Hans Hansen in Zeeland, Michigan, home of Walters Gardens, from a 2011 cross between Dianthus 'Devon Xera' and 'Pomegranate Kiss'. It joined the Fruit Punch® series of compact, fragrant pinks.

Final Thoughts: Heat, drought and hungry deer all get the cold shoulder. PUT IT UP FRONT WHERE IT CAN SHOW OFF ITS FRINGE.