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
• Plant Patent: USPP 29,591

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: Perovskia 'Denim 'n Lace' makes a cool blue backdrop at 70 to 80 cm, flowering from July to October as these red pinks rebloom. Spill Cerastium 'Silver Carpet' along the edge for white flowers in May and June and a low, silvery mat. For something unexpected, add Echinacea KISMET® 'Kiwi', whose green coneflowers bloom from June to October and make the red look even brighter. This is a sunny, well-drained grouping with colour from late spring to fall.

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.