Dianthus 'Paint Town Red'

Dianthus 'Paint Town Red': A Bold Flash of Crimson in the Sun

Like a brushstroke of pure passion, Dianthus 'Paint Town Red' ignites the garden with intense scarlet-red blooms that glow against a base of silvery-blue foliage. Each finely fringed flower carries a spicy-sweet fragrance and stands proudly above the evergreen mound below, blooming profusely in late spring and often returning with cooler autumn temperatures. Compact, eye-catching, and full of charm, this perennial brings a burst of energy and vibrant contrast to borders, containers, and rock gardens.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 15–20 cm
• Spread: 25–30 cm, forming a low, compact cushion
• Flower Colour: Bright scarlet-red; single, 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; prefers dry, lean conditions and dislikes winter wet

Uses and Benefits: Dianthus 'Paint Town Red' is an excellent choice for edging, small-scale plantings, alpine gardens, and sunny containers. Its bright blooms attract pollinators, while the evergreen foliage brings subtle texture and year-round structure. Fragrant and fuss-free, this low-growing perennial fits perfectly in water-wise designs and compact garden spaces, delivering high-impact colour with minimal maintenance.

Companion Plants: Pair Dianthus 'Paint Town Red' with Sedum 'Dragon's Blood', whose red-tinged foliage and crimson flowers mirror and amplify the dianthus’s intensity. Add Carex 'Gold Fountains' to introduce soft movement and warm golden tones that contrast beautifully with both the sedum and dianthus. Finish the combination with Geranium 'Spessart', whose soft white blooms with pink veins offer a cooling counterpoint and extend seasonal interest at the garden’s edge.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with sharply drained soil. Avoid locations with heavy or overly moist conditions, particularly in winter. Deadhead regularly to encourage repeat blooming and keep the plant tidy. Shear lightly after flowering to rejuvenate foliage. Divide clumps every few years in spring or autumn to maintain vigour and flowering capacity.

History: Dianthus 'Paint Town Red' is part of the Paint Town™ series by Proven Winners, developed for bold colouring, tidy habit, and extended bloom season. With roots in species like Dianthus plumarius and Dianthus gratianopolitanus, this cultivar carries forward the legacy of the old-fashioned “pinks,” long loved for their spicy fragrance, drought tolerance, and cottage-garden appeal—now reimagined for modern garden palettes.

Final Thoughts: Radiant and resilient, Dianthus 'Paint Town Red' brings a bold yet refined element to sunny planting schemes. When combined with the fiery foliage of Sedum 'Dragon's Blood', the soft gold movement of Carex 'Gold Fountains', and the cooling bloom of Geranium 'Spessart', it creates a striking, multi-season composition full of energy, balance, and charm. A true standout for gardeners who seek vivid colour with effortless grace.