Olivia Bella Dianthus

Olivia Bella Dianthus (Dianthus 'Olivia Bella')

Olivia Bella Dianthus is a compact, mounding perennial that covers tidy blue-green foliage with stunning bright pink blooms edged in white and marked by cherry red center rings. Its neat habit and extended bloom window make a polished front-of-border and container accent for sunny sites.

Distinctive Features

Highly saturated bicolor flowers with crisp white margins and a vivid cherry eye deliver close-up detail and strong garden contrast. Sturdy stems and clove fragrance suit small bouquets and frequent cutting.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for best flowering and compact habit.
• Soil: Well drained, moderately fertile soil; slightly alkaline conditions are preferred.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist but never waterlogged.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9.
• Mature Size: About 0.75 to 1 ft tall and 1 to 1.5 ft wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Bright pink blooms with white edges and cherry red rings create high-impact color at the front of beds.
• Edging: Low, tidy mounds define paths and borders cleanly.
• Containers: Performs in patio pots with sharp drainage and regular deadheading.
• Rock Gardens: Compact habit suits gravelly, sunny sites.
• Cut Flowers: Fragrant, long-lasting stems elevate small arrangements.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply, then allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between cycles.
• Pruning: Deadhead promptly and shear lightly after flushes to encourage rebloom.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly in spring and again midsummer with a balanced fertilizer.
• Mulching: Use a thin gravel or bark mulch, keeping mulch off the crown to prevent rot.
• Notes: Ensure excellent winter drainage; avoid heavy, wet soils and crowded airless sites.

Why Choose Olivia Bella Dianthus?

• Striking Bicolor: Bright pink petals with white edges and a cherry eye read clearly in the landscape.
• Repeat Bloom: Reliable rebloom with regular deadheading and light shearing.
• Fragrance: Classic clove scent enhances paths and patios.
• Compact Habit: Neat cushions stay upright without flopping.
• Cutting Friendly: Strong, scented stems are ideal for arrangements.

For a continuous display, deadhead spent flowers and pair with summer-blooming perennials and annuals to bridge color between flushes.