Paint the Town Red Dianthus

Paint the Town Red Dianthus (Dianthus 'Paint the Town Red')

Paint the Town Red Dianthus (Dianthus 'Paint the Town Red') is a compact, vibrant perennial valued for saturated red blooms with finely fringed petals and a classic clove like perfume. Flowering from late spring through summer with repeat flushes, it forms a dense evergreen mound of blue green foliage that adds year round texture in borders, rock gardens, and containers while delivering high impact color in sunny, well drained sites.

Distinctive Features

Abundant single vivid red flowers are held just above tidy foliage for crisp contrast; part of the Paint the Town series selected for exceptional heat tolerance, extended bloom, and reliable 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, tolerates brief dryness once established.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9.
• Mature Size: About 8 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide.
• Bloom Time: Late spring through summer with periodic rebloom after light shearing.

Ideal Uses

• Edging and Borders: Low cushions outline paths and bed fronts with saturated red.
• Rock and Gravel Gardens: Excels in sharply drained sunny sites.
• Containers and Troughs: Compact habit and bright color suit patios and entries.
• Cottage and Pollinator Gardens: Fragrant nectar rich flowers support bees and butterflies.
• Small Space Design: Intense red blooms create a strong focal point.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep evenly moist during establishment, then water deeply but infrequently.
• Deadheading: Remove spent blooms; a light shear after peak flush encourages quick 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 Paint the Town Red Dianthus?

• Bold Red Color: Eye catching blooms read from a distance.
• Extended Bloom Window: Reliable flowering from late spring through summer with rebloom.
• Fragrant and Pollinator Friendly: Clove scented flowers 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 'Paint the Town Red' combines saturated color, sweet fragrance, and a neat evergreen form to provide long season impact in bright, well drained gardens with very little fuss.