Dianthus Pretty Poppers® 'Double Bubble'

Dianthus Pretty Poppers® 'Double Bubble': Double Pink Ruffles for Tight Spots

'Double Bubble' looks exactly like a piece of bubblegum stuck to the garden, in the best possible way. Fully double, bubblegum-pink flowers smell of spicy cloves instead of the bottom of a school desk. POP, POP, POP.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Dianthus hybrid
• Common Name: Pinks
• Series: Pretty Poppers®, from Walters Gardens
• Height: 15–20 cm (6–8 in)
• Spread: 15–20 cm (6–8 in)
• Flowers: Fully double, medium bubblegum pink flowers about 3 cm (1.25 in) across, with finely toothed petals and a sweet, spicy clove scent
• Bloom Time: Early summer, with rebloom into early fall (June to September)
• Foliage: Blue-green, semi-evergreen, in a compact tuft
• Features: Fragrant, salt tolerant
• Plant Patent: USPP 29,972

Where to Plant: Its small footprint makes it perfect for tight spots: the front edge of a bed, between stepping stones, a rock garden pocket or a patio pot. Plant a row of them to edge a sunny walk with lean, dry soil. It's a solid choice for beds along the driveway, since salt spray in winter won't faze it.

Companion Plants: Euphorbia 'Bonfire' forms a tidy cushion with yellow bracts in May and June, a bright lead-in to the pink flowers. In midsummer, Monarda Sugar Buzz® 'Rockin' Raspberry' adds purple bee balm blooms at 40 to 60 cm from July to August. Aster 'Wood's Light Blue' picks up from August to October, as the pinks rebloom. It is a compact, long-season mix for sun or part sun.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part sun in average, well-drained soil, ideally neutral to alkaline. More sun means more flowers. Heavy clay holds winter water, which pinks hate, so mix in grit or plant on a slight rise. Water through the first season, then only during long dry spells. Shear off spent flowers after the first big flush to encourage rebloom. Leave the foliage over winter and tidy it in spring. Small, tight clumps like this rarely need dividing, but you can lift and split them every few years if the centre opens up.

History: 'Double Bubble' was bred by Hans Hansen at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan, from a 2012 cross between Dianthus 'Frosty Fire' and 'Valda Isolde', sold as Fancy Knickers. It was selected as a seedling in 2013 for its compact habit and double flowers.

Final Thoughts: Plant three in a sunny pot and blow your neighbours' minds. NO CHEWING, NO STICKY FINGERS, JUST PINK.