Dianthus 'Dragon Fruit'

Dianthus 'Dragon Fruit': A Tropical Twist in a Temperate Garden

Exotic in name and radiant in bloom, Dianthus 'Dragon Fruit' offers a bold splash of vibrant colour on a compact frame. Its single, fringed blooms are a rich, tropical pink, glowing above a tidy cushion of silvery-blue foliage. Sweetly scented with a clove-like fragrance, the flowers appear in late spring and often return in early autumn, inviting pollinators and admirers alike. Though its name evokes faraway fruit, this hardy perennial is perfectly suited to sunny borders, gravel gardens, and containers close to the garden path.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 20–25 cm
• Spread: 25–30 cm, forming a dense, rounded mound
• Flower Colour: Bright pink-magenta; single blooms with delicately fringed petals
• 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; thrives in dry, lean conditions and dislikes winter moisture

Uses and Benefits: Dianthus 'Dragon Fruit' is ideal for the front of sunny borders, containers, and rock gardens, where its vivid blooms can be seen up close and its spicy fragrance appreciated. Evergreen foliage provides year-round texture, while the plant’s tidy form and drought tolerance make it a low-maintenance favourite for water-wise landscapes and compact garden spaces.

Companion Plants: Pair Dianthus 'Dragon Fruit' with Sedum 'Coral Carpet', whose warm-toned foliage and starry summer blooms echo the dianthus’s tropical hues while weaving a low-growing tapestry around its base. Add Carex 'Ice Dance' to introduce graceful, arching blades with creamy margins that contrast the dianthus’s compact form. Finish with Heuchera 'Lime Marmalade', whose chartreuse foliage creates a brilliant colour contrast while adding depth and soft texture.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with sharply drained soil. Avoid heavy, moisture-retentive soils, especially in winter. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage rebloom and maintain a clean appearance. Shear lightly after the main bloom flush to refresh the foliage. Divide every 2–3 years in spring or fall to maintain vigour and support continued flowering.

History: Dianthus 'Dragon Fruit' is part of the Fruit Punch® series by Proven Winners, a line of compact, floriferous cultivars bred for bold colour, repeat blooming, and strong garden performance. Drawing from the legacy of Dianthus plumarius and related species—long valued for their scent, form, and toughness—this modern selection brings a vivid twist to a timeless garden favourite.

Final Thoughts: Bright, spirited, and full of flair, Dianthus 'Dragon Fruit' adds a splash of tropical vibrance to the sunniest spots in your garden. When paired with the warm hues of Sedum 'Coral Carpet', the graceful movement of Carex 'Ice Dance', and the citrus pop of Heuchera 'Lime Marmalade', it creates a lively, multi-layered planting that offers structure, fragrance, and long-season colour. A fresh and fruity choice for gardens that crave a little drama.