Neon Star Pinks Dianthus

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-11 Inches

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Compact, floriferous and glowing are all perfect descriptors for the Dianthus Neon Star. Ultra pink blooms cover this tidy compact perennial. It can be used as edging for a late spring garden, a mass planting on a slope or a filler for a container of mixed seasonal blooming plants. Each situation will show off this sweet smelling bloomer at its best.

Dianthus are typically cooler season bloomers. Giving a great show alongside spring bulbs and blooming shrubs, such as Azalea and Rhododendron. Neon Star Dianthus will tolerate the heat and humidity of the early summer better than other Pinks, making it perfect as a bridge plant between the seasons. The gray-green, grasslike foliage will remain evergreen in the warmer hardiness zones. 

Neon Star Dianthus Care

Dianthus prefer to have well drained, moist soil. Extra irrigation may be needed during extended hot, dry periods. Soil pH is not overly important. Acidic to alkaline soil is well tolerated. Full sun to part shade exposure makes Neon Star Dianthus flexible to fit into most gardens.

Fertilizing once a year, early in the spring before flowers bloom. A well balanced, slow release feed will provide nutrition throughout the spring and summer. Dividing will be necessary every 2-3 years. This ensures that the plants remain vigorous growers and bloomers. The best time to divide is in the fall after blooming has finished. A mulch of organic compost or leaves after dividing will protect new plants through the winter.

Neon Star Dianthus Spacing

Spacing for Neon Star Dianthus should be closer than other perennials. Height of 6-8 inches and a width of 18-24 inches. A 16 inch on center spacing will make for a thick mat of foliage if used as a ground cover. Planted in containers, the plants can be used as a filler element and placed as close as needed to other plants.