Dianthus 'Neon Star'

Dianthus 'Neon Star': A Glow That Outshines the Sun

Electric and enchanting, Dianthus 'Neon Star' bursts into the garden with shocking pink blooms that seem to glow against their backdrop of cool, silvery-blue foliage. Each finely fringed, single flower is saturated with bright magenta tones and releases a spicy clove fragrance that invites pollinators and passersby to linger. Blooming heavily in late spring and often again in early autumn, this compact perennial offers a modern jolt of colour with the enduring charm of a cottage-garden classic.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 15–20 cm
• Spread: 20–30 cm, forming a compact, mounded cushion
• Flower Colour: Bright neon pink; single, fringed blooms
• 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 resents winter wet

Uses and Benefits: Dianthus 'Neon Star' is a bold choice for borders, pathways, containers, and gravel gardens, where its vibrant blooms and evergreen form can be appreciated up close. Its low-growing, mounded habit makes it ideal for edging or mass planting, while the fragrant blooms attract bees and butterflies. Drought-tolerant and easy to maintain, it offers long-season interest with minimal care.

Companion Plants: Pair Dianthus 'Neon Star' with Sedum 'Voodoo', whose dusky red foliage and pink flowers echo and intensify the dianthus’s hot pink hues. Introduce Carex 'Everglow' to bring fine texture and warm orange highlights that contrast with the cool foliage. Finish the planting with Thymus 'Magic Carpet', a ground-hugging thyme with soft pink blooms that mirror the dianthus tones while forming a fragrant, pollinator-friendly carpet.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with sharply drained soil. Avoid overwatering and protect from excessive winter moisture. Deadhead spent blooms to promote rebloom and maintain a neat appearance. Shear lightly after flowering to refresh foliage. Divide every 2–3 years in spring or autumn to support long-term vigour.

History: Dianthus 'Neon Star' is a standout selection bred for its vivid colouring, compact form, and reliable rebloom. Rooted in the legacy of Dianthus gratianopolitanus and Dianthus plumarius, it carries forward the fragrance, evergreen habit, and resilience of its ancestors—now infused with a bold, modern palette that suits today’s vibrant gardens.

Final Thoughts: Bright, carefree, and delightfully fragrant, Dianthus 'Neon Star' lives up to its name with glowing blooms that catch the eye and lift the spirit. When planted alongside the smouldering tones of Sedum 'Voodoo', the soft flare of Carex 'Everglow', and the low, pink-tinged cushion of Thymus 'Magic Carpet', it creates a vivid, textured planting full of contrast and seasonal charm. A luminous choice for gardeners who embrace colour with confidence.