DIANTHUS ‘IDEAL SELECT MIX’ Dianthus chinensis x barbatus Characteristics Type: Annual/Tender Perennial Sun: Full, Afternoon shade Zone: 6-8 Water: Average, Moist Height: 8-10 Inches Maintenance: High Width: 8 Inches Habit: Dwarf Spacing: 8-10 Inches Frost tolerant Blooms: Early Spring to Fall Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds Bloom: Mix of White, Rose, and Red Culture A new type of dwarf, hardy dianthus that flowers slightly earlier than dwarf annual types. Plant breeders crossed Sweet William with annual dianthus to produce a species that had larger self-cleaning flowers, more free flowering and better garden performance during summer heat. Plants will flower about 10 - 15 days earlier than traditional annual types. Dianthus thrives in fertile, fast draining soil. It should be watered 2 to 3 times a week until it becomes established. After that point, a weekly watering will be adequate to grow great looking dianthus. Worn-out flowers should be removed promptly to promote more blooms. This plant can produce richly fragrant flowers in the spring and summer. Noteworthy Characteristics ‘Ideal Select Mix’ features a great blend of white, red, and rose flowers. Most cultivars available in commerce today are bushy compact plants that typically grow in mounds or clumps to 6-12" tall and as wide and feature a longer flowering period and a much greater range of flower colors, including many different shades of white, pink and red with interesting bicolor combinations thereof. Flowers appear in 10- 15 flowered clusters in summer. Narrow, lance-shaped stem leaves to 3" long. It is a fast flowering plant and the best branching inter-specific series on the market. It is naturally compact, extremely uniform and free flowering. This colorful annual is an early bloomer, is frost tolerant and has good garden performance throughout the season. Dianthus means “divine flower.” Problems Susceptible to crown rot and rust, particularly in poorly-drained soils. Watch for snails and slugs. These are high maintenance plants that need regular shearing to force additional bloom. Uses Borders. Beds. Mass Plantings. Containers. Edging. Focal Point. .