Constant Craze Raspberry Dianthus
Constant Craze Raspberry Dianthus
Long-Blooming Raspberry Flowers on a Tidy Cushion
Constant Craze Raspberry Dianthus (Dianthus 'Constant Craze Raspberry') pours on rich, clove-scented raspberry flowers over a compact cushion of blue-green foliage, from late spring well into fall. Bred for an exceptionally long bloom season, it's tough, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant, with semi-evergreen foliage. A jewel-toned, fragrant front-of-border favorite for sunny beds and rock gardens in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Constant Craze Raspberry Dianthus Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Dianthus 'Constant Craze Raspberry' |
| Mature Size | 8–12 in. tall, 10–14 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 4–9 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Full sun (6+ hours) |
| Bloom Time | Late spring through fall — exceptionally long |
| Flower Color | Rich raspberry, clove-scented |
| Soil | Well-drained; dislikes wet, heavy soil — add grit to clay |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to about -25°F; semi-evergreen foliage |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed by deer or rabbits |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Long-season edging and rock gardens: Its extended bloom makes it a workhorse at the front of the border. Space 10–12 inches apart.
Pollinator and deer-resistant beds: Butterflies visit the fragrant blooms, and deer leave it alone. Pair with catmint, salvia, and sedum.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall. Sharp drainage is essential — avoid wet, heavy soil, especially over winter.
How to Plant Constant Craze Raspberry Dianthus
Dig a hole twice the pot's width at the same depth. Amend heavy clay with grit or coarse sand. Set the crown at or slightly above soil level, backfill, water in, and mulch lightly with grit — keep mulch off the crown to prevent rot. Space 10–12 inches apart.
Watering Constant Craze Raspberry Dianthus
First year: Water every 2–3 days at first, then weekly. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Drought-tolerant — water only during extended dry spells. Overwatering and wet soil are its main enemies.
Q: How long does it bloom?
Exceptionally long — from late spring into fall, especially with occasional deadheading.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Yes — hardy to about zone 4 with sharp drainage; plant where water doesn't pool over winter.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — deer and rabbits rarely bother dianthus.
Q: Is it fragrant?
Yes — the flowers carry the classic sweet, spicy clove scent of pinks.
You May Also Like
Constant Beauty Red Dianthus (Dianthus): A red long bloomer from the same family.
Sedum (Hylotelephium): A drought-tough, deer-resistant partner.
Catmint (Nepeta): Blue spikes that contrast the raspberry blooms.
How Many Constant Craze Raspberry Dianthus Do I Need?
Space these compact cushions about 10–12 in. apart for a long-blooming front-of-border edge or rock-garden carpet. Plant in clusters of 3–5 for the fullest, most fragrant sweep.
| Bed / Run Length | Plants at ~11 in. spacing |
|---|---|
| 10 ft | 11 plants |
| 20 ft | 22 plants |
| 30 ft | 33 plants |
| 40 ft | 44 plants |
Constant Craze Raspberry Dianthus Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: A strong first flush of rich raspberry, clove-scented flowers opens over the blue-green cushion in late spring.
- Summer: Bred for an exceptionally long season, it keeps blooming through summer — occasional deadheading keeps it going; butterflies visit the fragrant flowers.
- Fall: Flowering continues well into fall, one of the latest dianthus to quit for the year.
- Winter: Foliage is semi-evergreen, holding blue-green color under snow; reliable to about -25°F with sharp drainage.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Drought-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Constant Craze Burgundy Dianthus — the moody burgundy sibling from the same family.
- Constant Beauty Red Dianthus — a true red long bloomer to extend the palette.
- Autumn Fire Sedum — the drought-tough, deer-resistant partner suggested in the notes.
- Bloodstone Sea Thrift — deep-red pom-poms that complement the jewel tone.
Is Constant Craze Raspberry Dianthus Right for Your Yard?
This long-blooming pink wants full sun and sharply drained soil at the front of a border or in a rock garden, and deer and rabbits rarely touch it. Not a fit if your soil is heavy, wet clay — standing water, especially over winter, rots the crown; amend with grit or choose a raised, well-drained spot.