Dianthus cruentus
A compact dianthus forming neat, grassy clumps topped in late spring with dark red flower clusters held on short stems. Its restrained size and early flowering make it well suited to sunny, free-draining sites, including rock gardens and the very front of the border, where its colour reads clearly without overwhelming neighbouring plants.
Growing Conditions
Light: full sun
Moisture: average to dry
Soil: well-drained; sandy or rocky soils
Hardiness zone: 4
Maintenance: low
Size & Habit
Height (cm): 40
Spread (cm): 30
Habit: low clump
Seasonal Interest
Flowering period: May
Seasonal interest: late spring flowering
Foliage: green
Flower: red
Ecology & Notes
Wildlife value: pollinators
Deer/Rabbit resistance: moderate
Habitat: front of border; rock gardens; sunny, dry plantings
Features: compact clump; dark red flower clusters; short flowering stems; dry-site tolerant
Notes: forms grassy clumps with short stems carrying dark red flower clusters held just above the foliage; particularly effective in open, sunny sites with free-draining soils