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Dianthus Cranberry Cocktail
Dianthus 'Cranberry Cocktail'
If you want a small perennial that punches way above its weight, Dianthus ‘Cranberry Cocktail’ is an easy “yes”—fragrant, double hot-magenta blooms, tidy evergreen foliage, and a compact habit that’s perfect for borders, rock gardens, and containers where color needs to look intentional. Give it sun, keep the soil draining, and do that quick post-bloom shear—you’ll be rewarded with a cleaner mound and repeat flowering that keeps the front of your landscape looking fresh.
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Dianthus Cranberry Cocktail / Fragrant Pinks
Mini carnations with big color and fragrance.
Dianthus ‘Cranberry Cocktail’ is a punchy, low-growing perennial (pinks) with full, double, carnation-like blooms in hot magenta tones and a sweet, noticeable fragrance. The ruffled flowers look “florist-quality” in the garden and in small bouquets, making this a favorite for cut-flower moments right from the border.
Compact mound that stays neat
This dianthus forms a tidy, dense mound of gray-green to blue-green foliage and typically matures around 8–10 inches tall and 12–14 inches wide—ideal for edging beds, brightening rock gardens, and tucking into mixed containers without swallowing your design.
Sun, drainage, and easy-care rhythm.
Give ‘Cranberry Cocktail’ full sun for the strongest flowering and best plant shape, and plant it in well-drained soil (neutral to slightly alkaline is often recommended). Once established, it’s commonly noted for solid drought tolerance—especially when you avoid soggy sites and keep water consistent but not constant.
Borders, containers, and crisp, colorful detail.
Use this evergreen perennial as a front-of-bed “finishing edge,” a pathway liner, or a container thriller for spring-to-fall color. A quick post-bloom trim helps encourage rebloom, so you get repeated waves of saturated color where you and your guests actually see it—right at the garden’s front row.
| Hardiness Zone: | 5-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 8 to 12 Inches |
| Mature Width: | 12 to 14 inches |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun (best flowering) |
| Water Requirements: | Medium to establish; drought tolerant once established |
| Bloom Season and Flower Color: | Early summer with rebloom into early fall; hot magenta pink |
| Wildlife Value: | Attracts Honey Bees & Butterflies |
| Resistance: | Deer Resistant |
| Landscape Uses: | Borders, cut flower gardens, containers, edging |
How to Care for Dianthus Cranberry Cocktail
Please read our planting and Care Instructions for the best results with your Dianthus ‘Cranberry Cocktail’ Plants
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How should I plant Dianthus ‘Cranberry Cocktail’?
Start by choosing a full-sun site with excellent drainage—dianthus rewards you with better bloom and tighter growth when roots never sit in water. Dig a hole about 2–3× wider than the root ball and just as deep. Gently loosen circling roots and set the plant so the crown sits level with the surrounding soil (planting too deep is a common cause of decline in tight, wet soils). Backfill with native soil, then water slowly to settle everything in. Space plants so each mound can fill out cleanly, and finish with a light mulch layer to reduce splash and weeds—just keep mulch off the crown. Spring planting is ideal, but early fall can also work where drainage is strong and the plant has time to root in before hard freezes.
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How often should I water Dianthus ‘Cranberry Cocktail’ after planting?
For the first 2–3 weeks, water every 2–3 days if rain doesn’t do it for you—aim for deep, slow watering that moistens the root zone rather than daily sips. For weeks 4–8, transition to 1–2 deep waterings per week, adjusting for heat and the rate of soil drainage. Your goal is to establish a steady foundation without keeping the crown constantly wet. After the first growing season, dianthus is often noted as drought-tolerant once established, especially in well-drained beds. In summer, water when the top couple inches of soil are dry and the plant looks less perky—then let the soil dry slightly between soakings for healthiest roots.
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When should I fertilize Dianthus ‘Cranberry Cocktail’?
Feed lightly in early spring as new growth starts. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer at a modest rate is plenty—overfeeding can push soft growth and fewer flowers. If your soil is already reasonably fertile, you may find it blooms beautifully with minimal fertilizer beyond good sun and drainage. For a more natural approach, top-dress with compost in spring and let soil biology build long-term performance. Compost improves structure and moisture balance (without making the plant “lush and floppy”), which is exactly what compact dianthus mounds prefer.
When and how should I prune Dianthus ‘Cranberry Cocktail’?
Plan to tidy and encourage rebloom right after the first heavy flush. A quick shearing after flowering is commonly recommended for Fruit Punch®-type dianthus to stimulate a second round of blooms into early fall. Use clean snips or shears and remove spent flower stems and a light amount of top growth to refresh the plant. For seasonal cleanup, remove tired stems as needed and keep the mound neat—especially in containers where you’ll see it up close. Avoid harsh, low cuts during heat waves; instead, opt for gentle grooming and allow the plant to recover. In late winter/early spring, trim off any winter-browned tips so new growth shows cleanly.
