perennial

Scent First Romance Pinks

The Story

Plant Bio

Dianthus are beloved cottage garden staples, forming neat cushions of grassy, blue-green foliage topped with a profusion of charming, often fragrant flowers.

'Romance' is a member of the Scent First series, distinguished by its highly fragrant, fully double, salmon-pink flowers with delicately frilled petals.

Uses & Benefits:

The beautiful salmon-pink flowers and their intoxicating spicy scent make 'Romance' a sensory delight in the garden. Its neat, mounding habit is perfect for tidying up the edges of beds and paths.

Its compact size makes it ideal for container gardening, window boxes, and small-space gardens. The flowers are excellent for cutting and bringing indoors for small, fragrant arrangements.

The nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to any wildlife-friendly 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

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

Choose a site that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight.
Amend the soil with compost and grit to improve drainage.
Dig a hole that is the same depth as the pot.
Gently remove the plant and place it in the hole.
Ensure the crown of the plant is not buried below the soil line.
Water thoroughly and apply a gravel mulch around the base.

Pro Tip

Plant near a patio or walkway where its delightful clove-like fragrance can be easily enjoyed.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide sharp drainage and alkaline soil.
Give it plenty of sun.
Deadhead faithfully to promote rebloom.
Enjoy the fragrance!

Don't

Don't overwater or let the plant sit in soggy soil.
Avoid burying the crown with mulch or soil.
Don't plant in a shady spot.
Don't use high-nitrogen fertilizer.

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

Aromatic container thrillerCharming front-of-border accentClassic cottage garden edging

Companion Plants

Geranium 'Rozanne'Penstemon 'Husker Red'Scabiosa columbaria 'Butterfly Blue'Achillea millefolium 'Moonshine'Campanula carpatica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Scent First Romance Pinks questions

What zones can Scent First Romance Pinks grow in?

Scent First Romance 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 Romance Pinks deer resistant?

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

When does Scent First Romance Pinks bloom?

Scent First Romance 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 Romance Pinks need full sun?

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

Is Scent First Romance Pinks drought tolerant?

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