Dianthus ‘Frosty Fire’

Dianthus 'Frosty Fire'

Dianthus ‘Frosty Fire’ delivers a bold splash of color with its vibrant, fiery red flowers that appear in striking contrast to its cool, silvery-blue foliage. The flowers have a delicate, fringed edge and often bloom in clusters, creating a soft yet vivid display. Its low-growing, mounded shape stays neat and compact, making it an ideal choice for edging or the front of borders. The evergreen foliage offers visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom, making it a reliable accent throughout the seasons.

This plant performs best in full sun, where it can soak up at least 6 hours of direct light daily to support healthy growth and abundant blooms. It prefers well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils and will not tolerate soggy conditions. Once established, ‘Frosty Fire’ is relatively drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for water-wise gardens. With proper care and deadheading, it can rebloom throughout the summer, extending its season of interest well beyond spring.

Beyond its beauty, Dianthus ‘Frosty Fire’ is valued for attracting bees and butterflies, offering nectar and charm to pollinator-friendly spaces. Its tidy, compact habit makes it suitable for rock gardens, containers, pathways, or even small-space landscapes. Gardeners appreciate its low-maintenance nature—it rarely needs more than occasional trimming to look its best. Whether planted in masse or used as an accent, ‘Frosty Fire’ adds texture, color, and life to any sunny spot.

Planting: Choose a sunny location with well-drained, gritty or sandy soil. Space plants 10–12 inches apart to allow airflow and give each mound room to expand naturally.

Planting: Choose a sunny location with well-drained, gritty or sandy soil. Space plants 10–12 inches apart to allow airflow and give each mound room to expand naturally.

Watering: Keep soil lightly moist during establishment, then reduce frequency. Once established, ‘Frosty Fire’ is drought-tolerant and prefers dry to average conditions. Avoid soggy soil to prevent crown rot.

Pruning: Deadhead faded blooms regularly to encourage reblooming and extend the flowering season. Lightly shear plants after the main bloom period to maintain a compact, tidy appearance.

Pest Control: This variety is generally pest and disease-resistant. Occasionally inspect for aphids or signs of rot; treat pests with insecticidal soap and ensure good drainage to avoid fungal issues.

Soil Tips: Thrives in well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil with a gritty texture. Avoid heavy clay or rich organic soils, adding gravel or coarse sand can improve drainage and mimic its native alpine growing conditions.