Dianthus 'Black Cherry Frost'

Dianthus 'Black Cherry Frost': Velvet Petals Touched by Ice

With deep cherry-red blooms edged in glistening white, Dianthus 'Black Cherry Frost' offers a rich contrast that feels both romantic and refined. Its finely fringed petals seem hand-painted, standing out against a compact mound of cool blue-green foliage. Fragrant and free-flowering from late spring through early summer—and again in cooler autumn weather—this charming perennial adds elegance and depth to borders, gravel gardens, and containers. Bold in colour but tidy in form, it delivers high impact in small spaces.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 20–25 cm
• Spread: 25–30 cm, forming a neat, low-growing mound
• Flower Colour: Deep cherry-red with crisp white edging; single, finely fringed petals
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer, with potential for fall rebloom
• Foliage: Blue-green, narrow leaves forming an evergreen cushion
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil; prefers dry, lean conditions and dislikes winter wet

Uses and Benefits: Dianthus 'Black Cherry Frost' is ideal for front-of-border plantings, edging, and containers, where its bicolour blooms can be appreciated up close. Its sweet clove-like scent draws in pollinators while resisting browsing from deer and rabbits. The evergreen foliage adds low-growing structure year-round, making it a fine choice for rock gardens or alpine-style plantings. Its low water needs and compact habit also make it an excellent addition to xeriscapes and small-space designs.

Companion Plants: Pair Dianthus 'Black Cherry Frost' with Ajuga 'Black Scallop', whose glossy, dark-purple leaves intensify the dianthus’s red tones and provide bold ground-level contrast. Introduce Festuca 'Elijah Blue' for fine, steely foliage that mirrors the dianthus’s cool-toned leaves while offering upright texture. Complete the scene with Sedum 'John Creech', a low-growing, drought-tolerant groundcover that knits the planting together with pink summer blooms and fleshy green foliage.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun in sharply drained soil. Avoid locations with heavy or water-retentive conditions, especially in winter. Deadhead regularly to encourage rebloom and maintain a clean appearance. After the main flowering, shear back lightly to refresh foliage. Divide every few years in spring or autumn to maintain vigour and flowering performance.

History: A member of the beloved Dianthus genus—whose name translates to “divine flower”—'Black Cherry Frost' is part of the Fruit Punch® series by Proven Winners, a collection bred for compact form, repeat blooming, and exceptional garden performance. It draws heritage from Dianthus plumarius, a species long favoured in European cottage gardens for its fragrance and tolerance of lean soils. This modern variety retains the charm and resilience of its ancestors with an added flourish of drama.

Final Thoughts: Chic and spirited, Dianthus 'Black Cherry Frost' offers a sophisticated twist on classic garden pinks. When combined with the sultry foliage of Ajuga 'Black Scallop', the silvery tufts of Festuca 'Elijah Blue', and the cheerful resilience of Sedum 'John Creech', it creates a textured, colourful planting that thrives in sun and dry soil. A fragrant jewel for gardeners who value form, fragrance, and contrast.