perennial

Scent First Coconut Surprise Pinks

Dianthus 'Coconut Surprise'

The Story

Plant Bio

Dianthus, commonly known as 'Pinks', are cherished for their mounding, grass-like blue-green foliage and abundant, often fragrant, carnation-like flowers.

'Coconut Surprise' is part of the Scent First series, noted for its strong spicy fragrance, compact habit, and striking pure white double flowers with a deep raspberry-red eye.

Uses & Benefits:

Its compact mound of blue-green foliage and profusion of bicolored, fragrant flowers make it a standout for border fronts, rock gardens, and containers. It provides a classic cottage garden look.

The plant's dense, mounding habit makes it an effective and beautiful groundcover or edging plant. It is also an excellent, long-lasting cut flower for small bouquets.

The fragrant flowers are attractive to pollinators, particularly butterflies and bees, providing a valuable nectar source in the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

10 inches

Width

10 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Short-lived perennial

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Mid-summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with at least 6 hours of full sun.
Amend soil to ensure excellent drainage, adding grit if necessary.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the pot.
Set the plant so the crown is slightly above soil level.
Backfill with soil and water in well.
Apply a thin layer of gravel mulch to keep the crown dry.

Pro Tip

Ensure sharp drainage and avoid heavy mulch around the crown to prevent rot, especially in winter.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide excellent drainage; they hate wet feet.
Plant in full sun for the best flower production.
Deadhead spent blooms to promote continuous flowering.
Amend soil to be neutral or slightly alkaline.

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in soggy soil.
Avoid applying thick organic mulch directly against the plant's crown.
Don't plant in deep shade, which leads to sparse flowering.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote foliage over flowers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Fragrant border edgingCharming rock garden specimenDelightful container planting

Companion Plants

Stachys byzantina Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Lavandula angustifolia Gypsophila repens Coreopsis verticillata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Scent First Coconut Surprise Pinks questions

What zones can Scent First Coconut Surprise Pinks grow in?

Scent First Coconut Surprise Pinks is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Scent First Coconut Surprise Pinks deer resistant?

Yes — Scent First Coconut Surprise Pinks is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Scent First Coconut Surprise Pinks bloom?

Scent First Coconut Surprise Pinks typically blooms in late spring through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Scent First Coconut Surprise Pinks need full sun?

Scent First Coconut Surprise Pinks does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Scent First Coconut Surprise Pinks drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Scent First Coconut Surprise Pinks handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.