Dianthus Fruit Punch® 'Classic Coral'

Dianthus Fruit Punch® 'Classic Coral': Coral Doubles Unbothered by Road Salt

'Classic Coral' is the friend who wears the same perfect outfit to every event and never once looks dated. Fully double, coral-pink flowers like tiny carnations on a tidy blue-green mound. TIMELESS, FRAGRANT AND NOT TAKING NOTES FROM TRENDS.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Dianthus hybrid
• Common Name: Pinks
• Series: Fruit Punch®, a Proven Winners® perennial
• Height: 20–25 cm (8–10 in)
• Spread: 30–36 cm (12–14 in)
• Flowers: Fully double, coral pink, carnation-like and fragrant
• Bloom Time: Early summer, with rebloom into late summer after shearing (June to September)
• Foliage: Blue-green, needle-like leaves in a tight, compact, evergreen mound
• Features: Fragrant, heat and salt tolerant, good for cutting
• Plant Patent: USPP 30,048 / Can 6,729

Where to Plant: Use it along a sunny walkway, at the front of a border, in a rock garden or in containers, ideally where you walk by often so you catch the scent. Its salt tolerance makes it a good pick for curbside and driveway beds.

Companion Plants: Coral and blue are a lovely mix, so start with Lupinus perennis and its blue spikes in May and June. Phlomis russeliana stands behind at 90 cm, with whorls of yellow flowers from June to August and bold, felted leaves. Up front, Centaurea 'Amethyst in Snow' adds white and purple bicolour cornflowers from May to July. It is an easy, warm-and-cool grouping for sun or part sun.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part sun, in average, well-drained soil that's neutral to slightly alkaline. Drainage is the key. Wet winter soil is what usually kills pinks, so lighten heavy clay with grit or plant on a slight mound. Water regularly the first season, then only in long dry spells. Shear the plant back after the first flush of flowers to tidy it and bring on more blooms. Leave the evergreen foliage over winter and tidy it in spring. Divide every few years if the centre opens up.

History: 'Classic Coral' was bred by Hans Hansen in Zeeland, Michigan, the home of Walters Gardens, from a 2012 cross between Dianthus 'Double North' and 'Lillipot'. It was selected in 2013 for its double coral flowers and compact habit.

Final Thoughts: Pin one to your lapel and plant the rest along the walk. THE PROM CALLED. IT WANTS ITS CORSAGE BACK.