Dianthus ‘First Love’ (Cheddar Pink)

Prized for the changing colors of its blossoms, Dianthus ‘First Love’ (Cheddar Pink) is a compact perennial forming a low mound of narrow, silvery blue-green foliage. Blooming from late spring to frost, the plant produces an abundance of white flowers, changing to pink before maturing to lavender-pink. Sweetly fragrant, the flowers attract bees and butterflies. Handsome throughout the seasons, the foliage remains evergreen in all but the coldest winters. Easy to grow, and perfect for adding a splash of color in the garden, Cheddar Pink is well-suited to the cottage garden or the edge of a border.

• Grows up to 12-18 in. tall and wide (30-45 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in neutral to alkaline, well-drained soils. Light shade is appreciated in extremely hot climates. Mulch with pea stone or gravel to keep foliage clean and dry.
• Extremely versatile, this Cheddar Pink is ideal for rock gardens, border fronts, containers.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for aphids, slugs, caterpillars or fusarium wilt. Deer resistant.
• Deadhead to prolong flowering. After flowering in late spring, the spent flowers should be cut back. This will encourage sporadic repeat bloom later in the season.
• Propagate by terminal cuttings taken and rooted in early summer. Divide every few years in early spring or when the centers start to die out.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.