1 / 3Key characteristics
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Height
- 6 to 8 inches
- Width
- 12 to 14 inches
- Flower color
- Deep red centers, fading to pink with white edges
- Foliage color
- Blue-green, narrow and mounding
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early fall
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; deadheading encourages continuous blooms
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 4 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts butterflies and bees; deer-resistant.
Groundcovers
Dianthus hybrida 'Mountain Frost Ruby Glitter'
Mountain Frost Ruby Glitter Dianthus
Dianthus hybrida 'Mountain Frost Ruby Glitter' is a compact perennial admired for its tri-colored flowers and blue-green foliage. The blooms, which appear from late spring through summer, showcase petals that transition from deep red at the center to pink and then to white along the outer edges, creating a delicate gradient effect. The foliage forms a tidy mound, offering a striking contrast to the vibrant flowers.
Works well in
- Cottage Gardens
- Containers
- Borders
- Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Salvias · Purple coneflowers · Catmint · Russian sage · Yarrows · Lavender
Design tip
Repeat this compact dianthus in small groups near the front of sunny borders to establish a consistent visual rhythm. The evenly spaced mounds help organize surrounding perennials, giving mixed plantings a balanced, thoughtfully composed appearance throughout the season.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
More groundcovers

Dianthus hybrida ‘WP13 GIL05’
Stargazer Dianthus
Blooms white with a dark pink to red center
Full sun to partial shade

Hylotelephium 'Bertram Anderson'
Bertram Anderson Sedum
Blooms bright pink to reddish-purple clusters
Full sun to light shade

Sedum forsterianum 'Oracle'
Oracle Stonecrop
Blooms bright yellow
Full sun to partial shade

Cyclamen coum Pewter Group
Pewter Group Winter Cyclamen
Blooms soft to deep rosy-pink or pinkish-lavender blossoms
Partial shade to light shade