Dianthus 'Sweetie Pie' is one of the members of the "Fruit Punch" series, a group of Dianthus selected for their fragrant, semi double flowers and their heat and humidity tolerance. Their beautiful blooms appear in early summer and then again in the fall. 'Sweetie Pie' features true pink, semi-double flowers with a subtle darker eye. The foliage is silvery blue-green. The perfect little flowers stand upright like miniature carnations and are produced so abundantly that they smother the foliage when in bloom. This is an excellent choice for the front edge of a sunny garden or rockery.
- Height: 23-28 cm (9-11 in)
- Spread: 30-36 cm (12-14 in)
- Cold Hardiness: Zone 4-9
- Sun or Shade: sun
- Bloom Time: early summer with fall rebloom
- Leaf Colour: blue green
- Bloom Colour: pink
- Nature Attraction: butterflies
Growing and Maintenance Tips
Dianthus grow best in full sun in loose, fertile, well drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and even moisture. Adding a little grit to the soil will improve drainage because excessive moisture can kill the plants. Dianthus can handle short periods of dryness but watering is necessary during drought. Dead heading regularly will encourage repeat bloom and keep the plants looking attractive. After the first flush of bloom cut all the spent flower stems down to encourage another flush of bloom later in the summer. The foliage is evergreen in our area so a spring trim is necessary to clean up winter damage
