Oscar Cherry + Velvet Dianthus

Oscar Cherry + Velvet Dianthus (Dianthus Oscar 'Cherry+Velvet')

Oscar Cherry + Velvet Dianthus (Dianthus Oscar 'Cherry+Velvet') is a compact, floriferous perennial prized for saturated cherry red blooms with a velvety dark eye and a classic clove like perfume. Flowering from late spring through summer with repeat flushes, it forms a tight evergreen mound of blue green foliage that adds year round texture in borders, rock gardens, and containers while delivering bold, high contrast color in sunny, well drained sites.

Distinctive Features

Abundant single to semi double cherry red flowers with a plush velvet toned eye sit just above tidy foliage for crisp presentation; selected for extended bloom, heat tolerance, and strong garden performance.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for best flowering and dense habit.
• Soil: Well draining, neutral to alkaline soil; avoid heavy or waterlogged sites.
• Water: Moderate; allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings, good drought tolerance once established.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9.
• Mature Size: About 8 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide.
• Bloom Time: Late spring through summer with quick rebloom after light shearing.

Ideal Uses

• Edging and Borders: Low cushions outline paths and bed fronts with saturated red.
• Rock and Gravel Gardens: Thrives in sharply drained, sunny sites among sedum and thyme.
• Containers and Troughs: Compact habit and vivid blooms suit patios and entries.
• Cottage and Cutting Gardens: Fragrant stems for small arrangements.
• Mass Plantings: Repeat in drifts for a high impact ribbon of cherry red.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep evenly moist during establishment, then water deeply but infrequently.
• Deadheading: Remove spent blooms; shear lightly after peak flush to encourage fast rebloom and a tight mound.
• Feeding: Apply a light dose of balanced slow release fertilizer in early spring; avoid excess nitrogen.
• Mulch and Soil: Favor mineral mulches such as gravel to keep crowns dry and improve drainage.
• Grooming: Clear winter tired foliage in late winter to refresh growth.

Why Choose Oscar Cherry + Velvet Dianthus?

• Cherry Red with Velvet Eye: Striking contrast that reads from a distance.
• Extended Bloom Window: Reliable color from late spring through summer with rebloom.
• Fragrant and Pollinator Friendly: Clove scented blooms attract bees and butterflies.
• Heat and Drought Tolerant: Performs in sunny lean soils once established.
• Easy and Deer Resistant: Compact evergreen mounds stay tidy with minimal care.

Conclusion

Dianthus Oscar 'Cherry+Velvet' delivers saturated cherry color, a plush dark eye, sweet fragrance, and a neat evergreen form, providing long season impact in bright, well drained gardens with very little fuss.