Dianthus Black Cherry Frost
Dianthus x hybrida 'Black Cherry Frost'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
8 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
Humidity
Prefers dry to moderate humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Eurasia
Toxicity
Mildly toxic to pets if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Part of the FRUIT PUNCH series, 'Black Cherry Frost' is a compact, mat-forming perennial with blue-green, grass-like foliage. It produces an abundance of fragrant, double flowers from late spring to summer. The flowers are a rich, deep red with a contrasting, finely serrated, pale pink to white edge. It is heat tolerant and excellent for borders, rock gardens, and containers.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Water regularly until established, about 6 weeks.
- Pinch back to encourage bushiness after flowering.
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with balanced fertilizer.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide clumps every 2–3 years in early spring for rejuvenation.
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water at soil level to avoid fungal issues 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
Don't
- Overwater in winter ❌
- Avoid heavy soil that retains moisture
- Don’t prune in late fall to prevent winter damage
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Dianthus Black Cherry Frost questions
What zones can Dianthus Black Cherry Frost grow in?
Dianthus Black Cherry Frost is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Dianthus Black Cherry Frost deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Dianthus Black Cherry Frost, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Dianthus Black Cherry Frost bloom?
Dianthus Black Cherry Frost typically blooms in late spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Dianthus Black Cherry Frost need full sun?
Dianthus Black Cherry Frost does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Dianthus Black Cherry Frost drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Dianthus Black Cherry Frost handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Dianthus caryophyllus 'Hardy Mixed'
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Dianthus dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla'
Paint the Town Magenta Pinks
Dianthus x hybrida 'Paint the Town Magenta'
Chinese Pink Rockin' Red Dianthus
Dianthus chinensis 'Rockin' Red'
Maiden Pink
Dianthus deltoides
Chinese Pink Neon Star Dianthus
Dianthus chinensis 'Neon Star'
Keep exploring
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Grow Dianthus Black Cherry Frost with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
