Olivia Cherry Dianthus (Dianthus 'Olivia Cherry')Olivia Cherry Dianthus is a compact, mounding perennial that covers blue-green foliage with cherry red, frilly flowers featuring hot pink eyes and hot pink edges at the tips of each petal. Its tidy habit and extended bloom window make a polished edging and container accent for sunny sites.Distinctive FeaturesHigh-contrast, ruffled blooms with vivid centers and margins deliver strong color and close-up detail on sturdy stems. Evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage keeps borders looking finished beyond peak bloom.Growing Conditions Sun Exposure: Full sun for best flowering and compact habit. Soil: Well drained, moderately fertile soil; slightly alkaline conditions preferred. Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist but avoid waterlogging. USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9. Mature Size: About 0.75 to 1 ft tall and 1 to 1.5 ft wide. Ideal Uses Focal Point: Cherry red, frilly blooms with hot pink accents create vivid front-of-border color. Edging: Low, tidy mounds define paths and bed lines cleanly. Containers: Performs in patio pots with sharp drainage and regular deadheading. Rock Gardens: Compact habit suits gravelly, sunny sites. Cut Flowers: Long-lasting, fragrant stems elevate small arrangements. Low Maintenance Care Watering: Water deeply, then allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between cycles. Pruning: Deadhead promptly and shear lightly after flushes to encourage rebloom. Fertilizing: Feed lightly in spring and again midsummer with a balanced fertilizer. Mulching: Use a thin gravel or bark mulch, keeping mulch off the crown to prevent rot. Notes: Ensure excellent winter drainage; avoid heavy, wet soils and overcrowding. Why Choose Olivia Cherry Dianthus? Striking Bicolor: Cherry red petals with hot pink eyes and edges read clearly in the landscape. Repeat Bloom: Reliable rebloom with regular deadheading and light shearing. Fragrance: Classic clove scent enhances paths and patios. Compact Habit: Neat cushions stay upright without flopping. Versatile Use: Equally effective in beds, borders, rock gardens, and containers. Plant in full sun with sharp drainage, deadhead consistently, and pair with summer bloomers to maintain a continuous color display.