Dianthus ‘Neon Star’ – Vibrant Colour with Sweet Fragrance

The Dianthus ‘Neon Star’ is a dazzling perennial that brings bright, long-lasting colour and a delightful fragrance to the garden. Part of the popular Scent First® series, it is compact yet floriferous, producing masses of vivid neon-pink blooms with fringed petals from late spring through summer. Its intoxicating spicy-sweet scent adds another layer of appeal, making it a favourite for planting near patios, paths, or entrances where the fragrance can be enjoyed up close.

With its neat mounded habit and silvery-blue foliage, ‘Neon Star’ is as attractive when not in bloom as it is when smothered in flowers. Perfect for containers, borders, and rockeries, this hardy perennial is easy to grow and will reward you with reliable displays year after year.

General Information

Dianthus, commonly known as pinks or carnations, are traditional cottage garden favourites, loved for their cheerful flowers and spicy fragrance. The cultivar ‘Neon Star’ is a modern variety bred for its bright colour, compact form, and extended blooming season.

• Habit: Compact, clump-forming perennial with a rounded, mounded shape.

• Height & spread: Grows around 20–25cm tall and 25–30cm wide.

• Foliage: Narrow, silvery-blue evergreen leaves provide structure all year.

• Flowers: Bright neon-pink blooms with delicately fringed petals; up to 3–4cm across.

• Flowering season: May to August, often with repeat flushes into early autumn if deadheaded.

• Fragrance: Sweet, clove-like scent – strong and appealing.

• Position: Full sun is best for maximum flowering.

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil; dislikes heavy, waterlogged conditions.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK and Ireland.

• Uses: Excellent for edging borders, rock gardens, patio containers, and cut flowers.

Its evergreen foliage and long-lasting blooms ensure year-round value and seasonal excitement.

Care Guide

Dianthus ‘Neon Star’ is hardy, reliable, and easy to care for, provided it has sun and good drainage.

Planting

• When to plant: Best in spring or early autumn, though container-grown plants can be planted anytime.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot; space 20–25cm apart.

• Preparation: Improve soil with grit or sand if heavy; ensure sharp drainage, as dianthus dislike sitting in wet conditions.

• Containers: Perfect for pots – use a gritty compost mix for best results.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly during establishment, but do not overwater.

• Once established, dianthus are drought-tolerant and prefer slightly drier conditions.

• Feed every 4–6 weeks in summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser to encourage extended flowering.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Deadhead spent flowers promptly to encourage repeat blooming.

• After the main flush, lightly trim back stems to keep plants neat and promote fresh growth.

• Cut back old stems in late autumn to tidy plants for winter.

• Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring to maintain vigour.

Protection

• Fully hardy, requiring no winter protection.

• Resistant to most pests and diseases, though aphids or mildew may occasionally appear – generally a trouble-free plant.

Why Choose Dianthus ‘Neon Star’?

This bold variety is perfect for gardeners seeking compact, colourful plants with fragrance and reliability.

• Bright blooms: Neon-pink flowers make a vibrant summer display.

• Fragrant: Sweet, clove-like scent adds to the appeal.

• Compact habit: Ideal for pots, edging, or smaller gardens.

• Evergreen foliage: Silvery-blue leaves look good year-round.

• Low-maintenance: Hardy, drought-tolerant, and easy to grow.

The Dianthus ‘Neon Star’ is a little plant with a big personality. With its vibrant neon-pink flowers, delicious fragrance, and neat evergreen foliage, it’s the perfect choice for adding colour and charm to sunny borders, containers, or pathways. Hardy and reliable, it’s a garden gem that brings beauty season after season.

• Size
  9cm

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

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