Dianthus, Kiss and Tell

Dianthus 'Kiss and Tell'

Height: 8-10in
Spread: 16-18in
Zone: 4-9
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Bloom Time/Color: May-July; pink/white
Uses: Borders, massing, edging, rock garden, ground cover
Maintenance: Low
Other: Deer resistant, fragrant, cut flower

For spring fragrance that is unbeatable, look to cheddar pinks. These colorful ground cover-esque plants are characterized by blue-green, narrow foliage that combine to create short mats. In spring, clove-scented double pink/white, button-like flowers with red centers sit on wiry stems above the foliage and bloom throughout the cooler weather. Plants are great additions to the front-of-the-border, rock walls, rock gardens, or in places where massing plants is desired. Cheddar pinks thrive in full sun in well-drained soils and are deer resistant. Flowers make good additions to bud vases or miniature bouquets.