ColorPop dianthus is a new perennial plant introduced to the gardening market in 2023. This dianthus is exciting because of the vivid magenta color of its flowers, which appear in both spring and fall. This dianthus is lovely in the garden but the flowers also work very well in bouquets thanks to their long and sturdy stems. The foliage color, a deep grayish blue, provides a stunning backdrop to the warm-hued flowers.
Common name: Pickables ColorPop dianthus or pinks
Botanical name: Dianthus ‘Pie-168’
Exposure: Full sun
Flowers: The flowers are a dark hot pink in color and the petals have fringed edges. This perennial blooms in spring and again in autumn. The flower stems are especially upright and strong.
Foliage: Stems and leaves appear a dusky blue-gray color. The leaves are long and narrow and held stiffly out from the stems in pairs. In the warmer zones of its growing range, the foliage remains evergreen.
Habit: ColorPop dianthus is a perennial that grows 10 to 12 inches tall and wide, with a rounded shape.
How to grow perennial pinks: Perennial pinks, or dianthus, need full sun, good drainage and low to moderate water. Pinks are susceptible to rot if they do not have well-draining soil. Keep mulch pulled back from the stems to further prevent against rot. Trim the stems back after the spring bloom to promote fresh growth and a better second flowering, which should occur after the heat of summer passes. Fertilize annually in the spring. USDA Zones 5–10.
Image courtesy of Southern Living Plant Collection/Sunset Plant Collection
