Dianthus Cranberry Cocktail

Avoid using a heavy layer of organic mulch on this plant, because it could hold water during the growing season and over winter, promoting rotting of its crown. The best mulch for the plant is pea stone or gravel, which helps keep the plant clean and suppresses weeds without holding extra water.

Prefers fertile, slightly alkaline, loose, somewhat gritty loams with good drainage. Add lime to acidic soils to adjust the soil pH. Best grown with regular and consistent moisture during the growing season. Plants may die out in the center, however, if drainage is not superior. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional bloom. Consider shearing plants back after main flush of bloom in order to tidy the planting and to promote additional bloom in late summer or early fall.