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Key characteristics

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

Groundcovers

Dianthus 'Olivia Cherry'

Olivia Cherry Dianthus

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.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer; may rebloom in fall

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)