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Dianthus × 'Sugar Plum'
sugar plum dianthus
Garden hybrid of complex {Dianthus} parentage
Overview
Dianthus spp. × 'Sugar Plum' is a hybrid garden pink that grows 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) tall and 10–14 inches (25–35 cm) wide. Semi-double to double flowers 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across in soft plum-lavender to mauve-pink with a darker plum central eye and fringed petals appear in two flushes: May–June and September–October. The plum-lavender tone is cooler and more purple-toned than most dianthus, which skew toward warm pinks and reds. This cooler palette coordinates with lavender, silver, and blue companions that would clash with hot-pink cultivars. A moderate sweet-spicy fragrance accompanies the bloom. Narrow blue-green grass-like evergreen foliage forms a compact mound. The cultivar name references the confectionery sugar-coated plum, describing the soft, dusted quality of the flower color. Lean, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil is essential for longevity. Shearing after the first bloom promotes fall reblooming. In rich or wet conditions, the plant declines. Deer avoid the aromatic foliage.
Native Range
Dianthus spp. × 'Sugar Plum' is a garden hybrid of complex European Dianthus spp. parentage.Suggested Uses
Used at the front of borders, in rock gardens, and in containers of 1 gallon (3.8 liters) or more. The cool plum-lavender tone suits plantings with lavender, silver, and blue themes. The fragrance adds sensory value near seating areas.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 10"
Width/Spread10" - 1'2"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Soft plum-lavender to mauve-pink with a darker plum eyeFoliage 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 for fall rebloom.Pruning
Shear the entire plant by one-third after the spring bloom.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons