Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Dianthus 'Olivia Cherry'
Olivia Cherry Dianthus
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Height
- 10 to 12 inches
- Width
- 12 to 14 inches
- Flower color
- Rich cherry-red with dark pink centers
- Foliage color
- Green with a touch of gray
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer; may rebloom in fall
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming
- Growing zone
- Zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts butterflies and other pollinators
About this plant
Dianthus 'Olivia Cherry' is a delightful perennial showcasing vivid cherry-red flowers with a large dark pink base and delicately frilled pink edges. The blooms, which appear from late spring through summer, are sweetly fragrant, adding an aromatic charm to gardens and outdoor spaces. Set against a backdrop of green foliage, the vibrant flowers create a bold contrast that enhances their visual appeal.
'Olivia Cherry' is well-suited for cottage gardens, mixed borders, and container planting, where its compact habit and profusion of blooms can be admired up close. Its cheerful color and pleasing scent also make it a favorite for cutting gardens, bringing beauty and fragrance indoors.
Works well in
Cottage Gardens · Rock Gardens · Pathways & Walkways · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Candytuft · Purple coneflowers · Salvias · Blue fescue · Yarrows · Creeping phlox
Design tip
Repeat this richly colored dianthus at key points throughout the garden to create visual connections between separate planting areas. Echoing the same flower color in multiple locations gives borders a cohesive, intentional design while preventing individual beds from feeling isolated.
