Dianthus 'Spiked Punch'

Dianthus 'Spiked Punch': A Sparkling Pour of Petal and Perfume

With rich pink blooms edged in deep rose, Dianthus 'Spiked Punch' fizzes with garden energy, much like its festive namesake. The finely fringed, single flowers rise above a dense cushion of silvery-blue foliage, bringing vibrancy and fragrance to sunny borders and containers. Blooming first in late spring and often again with the return of cool autumn weather, this compact perennial offers bold colour and a sweet clove scent, making it both a visual and sensory delight in the landscape.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 15–20 cm
• Spread: 25–30 cm, forming a neat, mounded cushion
• Flower Colour: Bright pink with deep rose edges; single blooms with finely 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 excess moisture

Uses and Benefits: Dianthus 'Spiked Punch' is a standout for front-of-border planting, containers, rock gardens, and sunny slopes. Its compact size makes it ideal for small-space gardening, while its evergreen foliage provides year-round structure and softness. The spicy-sweet fragrance attracts pollinators, while its drought tolerance and low-maintenance habit make it a reliable performer in xeriscapes and traditional beds alike.

Companion Plants: Pair Dianthus 'Spiked Punch' with Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow', whose tricolour foliage and springtime blue flowers contrast beautifully with the dianthus’s rich pink blooms while providing bold ground-level coverage. Introduce Carex 'Evergold' for graceful, creamy-yellow variegated blades that add texture and light to the planting. Finish with Thymus 'Wooly Thyme', a soft, low-spreading thyme that blankets the soil in silvery fuzz and subtle scent, echoing the dianthus’s foliage while supporting pollinators.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with sharply drained soil. Avoid overly rich or wet conditions, especially in winter. Deadhead regularly to extend the blooming period and keep plants looking tidy. Lightly shear after flowering to refresh the foliage. Divide clumps every 2–3 years in early spring or fall to encourage continued vigour and flowering.

History: Dianthus 'Spiked Punch' is part of a modern breeding effort to refresh the classic charm of Dianthus plumarius and related species. Developed for its bold colour, improved form, and repeat bloom, it channels the long-loved traits of the old garden pinks—fragrance, texture, and resilience—into a cultivar that suits today’s garden aesthetics and expectations. As a member of the Fruit Punch® series by Proven Winners, it belongs to a collection of compact, fragrant, and floriferous selections bred for consistent performance, rich colour palettes, and ornamental foliage. 'Spiked Punch' brings a lively twist to this distinguished lineup, offering festive energy with enduring appeal.

Final Thoughts: Cheerful, fragrant, and full of sparkle, Dianthus 'Spiked Punch' delivers a vivid hit of colour and texture to the sun-drenched garden. When combined with the variegated beauty of Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow', the flowing gold of Carex 'Evergold', and the softness of Thymus 'Wooly Thyme', it creates a layered, pollinator-friendly tapestry that offers beauty and balance from spring to fall. A fizzy little gem with a big garden presence.