Dianthus 'Pretty Poppers Goody Gumdrops'

Dianthus 'Pretty Poppers Goody Gumdrops': Sugared Colour in a Silvery Cushion

Bright and confectionary-sweet, Dianthus 'Pretty Poppers™ Goody Gumdrops' delights with ruffled, double blooms in cheerful shades of soft cherry pink. Each finely fringed flower sits just above a dense cushion of silvery-blue foliage, offering both fragrance and form. Blooming in late spring and often reblooming in early autumn, this compact perennial brings candy-shop charm to garden borders, rockeries, and containers. With a spicy clove scent and pollinator-friendly flowers, it’s a joyful splash of colour with an easygoing habit.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 15–20 cm
• Spread: 20–30 cm, forming a compact, mounded cushion
• Flower Colour: Bright pink; fully double, fringed blooms
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer, with potential for fall rebloom
• Foliage: Silvery-blue, narrow evergreen leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil; prefers dry, lean soils and resents wet winter conditions

Uses and Benefits: Dianthus 'Goody Gumdrops' is an ideal choice for sunny edging, pathway borders, rock gardens, and patio containers. Its compact, mounding form brings order and structure, while the vivid blooms add playfulness and charm. Fragrant, drought-tolerant, and attractive to pollinators, this variety fits beautifully into water-wise gardens and traditional cottage plantings alike.

Companion Plants: Pair Dianthus 'Goody Gumdrops' with Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow', whose tricolour foliage and cobalt-blue flower spikes offer cool contrast and ground-level coverage. Add Heucherella 'Pink Fizz', whose soft pink-veined leaves echo the dianthus bloom tones and add refined texture. Complete the look with Festuca 'Elijah Blue', whose fine, steely blades reflect the silvery foliage and contribute upright structure to the planting.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with sharply drained soil. Avoid excessive watering and overly rich conditions, especially in winter. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage rebloom and maintain a tidy appearance. Shear lightly after flowering to refresh the foliage. Divide every 2–3 years in spring or fall to keep clumps vigorous and compact.

History: Dianthus 'Pretty Poppers™ Goody Gumdrops' is part of the Pretty Poppers™ series by Proven Winners, a vibrant collection of low-growing, reblooming dianthus bred for compact habit, vivid colour, and fragrance. Like its relatives, it draws on the strength and charm of Dianthus plumarius and Dianthus gratianopolitanus, species long treasured for their resilience, scent, and evergreen presence in the garden.

Final Thoughts: Sweetly scented and full of personality, Dianthus 'Goody Gumdrops' is a delightful addition to sunny beds and borders. When paired with the bold foliage of Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow', the blush-toned leaves of Heucherella 'Pink Fizz', and the airy texture of Festuca 'Elijah Blue', it creates a charming, multi-layered planting that’s as joyful as its name. A playful perennial with a heart of sugar and spice.