Dianthus × 'Coconut Surprise'

coconut surprise dianthus

Caryophyllaceae

Garden hybrid of complex {Dianthus} parentage

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 4–9

Overview

Dianthus spp. × '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 spp. × 'Coconut Surprise' is a garden hybrid of complex parentage involving multiple European Dianthus spp. 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

Identified by fragrant white double to semi-double flowers with deeply fringed petals and a bold burgundy-red central eye on a compact blue-green foliage mound. The white ground with sharply defined burgundy eye distinguishes this from solid-colored and pink-toned dianthus cultivars.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 10"

Width/Spread10" - 1'2"

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Spring Summer Fall

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 petals

Foliage Description

Blue-green, narrow, grass-like

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 8.0(Alkaline)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1 year

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

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.