How to Grow Dianthus Parfait Cherry
Dianthus Parfait Cherry
Dianthus chinensis 'Parfait Cherry'
flowerDianthus Parfait Cherry is a compact, award-winning annual flower known for its striking deep red and white bicolor blooms with fringed petals. This prolific bloomer produces fragrant, carnation-like flowers on low-growing mounds, making it ideal for borders, containers, and cut flowers. It blooms continuously from spring through fall with minimal deadheading required.
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Example Dianthus Parfait Cherry timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Dianthus Parfait Cherry
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Dianthus Parfait Cherry blooms
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Dianthus Parfait Cherry dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives as an annual in zones 2-10; winter hardy in zones 7-9
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with narrow cotyledons and develop first true leaves within 1-2 weeks.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding. Maintain temperatures 65-70°F.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksCompact mounding growth with narrow, blue-green foliage. Plant develops branching structure and fills out in width.
Pinch back growing tips at 3-4 inches to encourage bushier growth. Water regularly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Begin fertilizing every 2 weeks.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (spring through fall)Dense clusters of bicolor red and white fringed flowers appear at branch tips. Blooms are fragrant and attract pollinators.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming, though this variety is very prolific. Continue weekly fertilization with bloom-promoting formula (higher phosphorus). Ensure 6+ hours of direct sun daily.
Peak Bloom & Maintenance
4-8 weeksPlant reaches maximum flowering capacity with multiple flower clusters opening simultaneously. Foliage remains compact and vibrant.
Reduce watering slightly during peak heat if necessary, but don't allow complete drying. Stake if grown in windy locations. Inspect for pests and diseases weekly. Light overhead watering in morning promotes air circulation.
Decline (End of Season)
4-6 weeksAs temperatures drop in fall or if summer heat becomes excessive, flowering may slow and foliage can become chlorotic.
Continue watering and deadheading to extend season. In zones 7-9, cut back by half in late fall and mulch for potential winter survival. In zones 2-6, treat as annual and compost at season's end.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge, or use neem oil or insecticidal soap. Increase humidity. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Use yellow sticky traps. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil on leaf undersides. Encourage beneficial insects.
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Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Create copper barriers around plantings. Use slug bait or beer traps.
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Remove infected foliage immediately. Improve air circulation. Water at soil level only. Apply fungicide containing sulfur or copper if severe.
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Ensure excellent air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Spray with sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate fungicide at first sign.
Uses
Edible Garnish
CulinaryDianthus flowers are technically edible with a spicy, clove-like flavor and can garnish salads, desserts, and cocktails for visual appeal. Ensure flowers are from pesticide-free plants grown specifically for consumption. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdThe fragrant, long-lasting blooms are excellent for fresh flower arrangements, bouquets, and floral design. Their compact growth and continuous flowering make them reliable cut flowers for home bouquets. [source]
Border and Container Plantings
OrnamentalThe low-growing, mounding habit makes Dianthus Parfait Cherry ideal for garden borders, edges, window boxes, hanging baskets, and container gardens. Creates colorful, defined edges with minimal maintenance. [source]
Dried Flowers
CraftFlowers can be air-dried for use in dried arrangements, crafts, and potpourri. Harvest fully open blooms and hang upside-down in a dry location for 2-3 weeks. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeFragrant dianthus flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems and garden biodiversity. An excellent choice for pollinator gardens. [source]
Harvest Tips
For cut flowers, harvest in early morning when stems are fully hydrated. Cut just as flowers are opening for longest vase life (5-10 days). Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering throughout the season. Pinch off any seed pods that form to redirect energy into new blooms.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Dianthus is derived from Greek words 'Dios' (divine) and 'anthos' (flower), earning it the name 'Flower of God' or 'Divine Flower.' Some call it the 'Pink of the Gods.'
- 🌱 The spicy clove-like fragrance in dianthus comes from eugenol and other volatile compounds, similar to actual cloves, which is why it's sometimes called the 'Clove Pink.'
- 🌱 'Parfait Cherry' won awards for its exceptional bicolor blooming performance and compact growth habit, making it a favorite among landscapers and home gardeners for continuous color.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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