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Dianthus 'Coconut Surprise'
Coconut Surprise Dianthus
Garden hybrid of complex {Dianthus} parentage
Overview
Dianthus × 'Coconut Surprise' is a hybrid garden pink that grows 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) tall and 10–14 inches (25–35 cm) wide. Fragrant double to semi-double white flowers 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across with deeply fringed petal edges and a bold burgundy-red eye zone appear in two flushes: May–June and again in September–October after a midsummer shearing. The bicolor white-and-burgundy pattern is high-contrast and consistent, with the burgundy eye sharply defined against the white ground. The sweet, spicy-clove fragrance is moderate in strength. Narrow blue-green grass-like evergreen foliage forms a compact mound below the flower stems. The cultivar name references the white (coconut) ground color and the surprise burgundy center. Like most hybrid garden pinks, lean, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil is essential for longevity; in rich, moist, or acidic conditions, the foliage mound opens and the plant is short-lived. Shearing after the first bloom maintains the compact form and promotes the fall rebloom. Deer avoid the aromatic foliage.
Native Range
Dianthus × 'Coconut Surprise' is a garden hybrid of complex parentage involving multiple European Dianthus species.Suggested Uses
Used at the front of borders, along path edges, in rock gardens, and in containers of 1 gallon (3.8 liters) or more. The bicolor white-and-burgundy pattern adds visual interest among solid-colored companions. The fragrance suits placement near seating.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 10"
Width/Spread10" - 1'2"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Colors
Bloom Information
First flush in May–June, approximately 4 weeks. Second flush in September–October after midsummer shearing. Total display approximately 8 weeks across both periods. The bicolor pattern is consistent in both flushes.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White with a burgundy-red eye and fringed petalsFoliage Description
Blue-green, narrow, grass-likeGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light. Lean, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil. Do not fertilize heavily. Water sparingly. Shear after the first bloom to promote fall rebloom and maintain the foliage mound. In acidic soils, top-dress with crushed limestone.Pruning
Shear the entire plant by one-third after the spring bloom flush. This promotes fall reblooming and keeps the foliage mound compact.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons