Odessa Pierrot Carnation

Odessa Pierrot Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus 'Odessa Pierrot')

Odessa Pierrot Carnation, also known as carnation or clove pink, pairs fully double creamy white blooms edged in rich burgundy with a classic clove-like fragrance. This compact, evergreen perennial flowers from late spring through fall, adding reliable color to borders, rock gardens, and containers while its tidy habit offers year-round texture.

Distinctive Features

Large, frilly white flowers with deep burgundy picotee edges create striking contrast, and the strong, spicy fragrance makes this variety a favorite for cutting gardens and floral arrangements.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for best flowering.
• Soil: Well-draining, neutral to alkaline soil; avoid heavy, waterlogged sites.
• Water: Moderate moisture; let the top inch of soil dry between waterings.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9.
• Mature Size: About 12 to 16 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide.
• Bloom Time: Late spring through fall with regular deadheading.

Ideal Uses

• Border Edging: Neat, compact habit defines pathways and beds.
• Containers: Reliable color and fragrance on patios and decks.
• Cutting Gardens: Long-lasting, scented blooms for arrangements.
• Rock and Cottage Gardens: Fits naturally among stones and perennials.
• Focal Point: Eye-catching picotee flowers draw attention in small garden spaces.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deep, infrequent watering promotes stronger roots; avoid constant wetness.
• Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; supplement lightly midseason if growth slows.
• Pruning: Shear lightly after peak flushes to maintain shape and spur rebloom.
• Mulching: Use a thin layer of gravel or bark to improve drainage and keep foliage dry.
• Winter Care: Ensure sharp drainage in cold, wet periods to prevent crown rot.

Why Choose Odessa Pierrot Carnation?

• Elegant Picotee Blooms: Crisp white petals edged in deep burgundy for high contrast.
• Extended Bloom Season: Flowers from late spring into fall with routine deadheading.
• Classic Fragrance: Spicy clove scent enriches gardens and bouquets.
• Pollinator Friendly: Provides nectar for bees and other beneficials.
• Easy Care and Deer Resistant: Thrives with minimal upkeep in sunny, well-drained beds.

Conclusion

With refined picotee color, enduring fragrance, and a compact evergreen habit, Odessa Pierrot Carnation delivers season-spanning performance in beds, borders, and containers while offering standout blooms that anchor small-space designs.