Coral Reef Dianthus
Coral Reef Dianthus
Fragrant Coral-Pink Blooms on a Tidy Cushion
Coral Reef Dianthus (Dianthus 'Coral Reef') tops a compact cushion of blue-green foliage with warm, clove-scented coral-pink flowers. Blooming in late spring and reblooming through summer, it's tough, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant, with semi-evergreen foliage. A warm, fragrant front-of-border favorite for sunny beds and rock gardens in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Coral Reef Dianthus Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Dianthus 'Coral Reef' |
| Mature Size | 6–10 in. tall, 10–12 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 4–9 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Full sun (6+ hours) |
| Bloom Time | Late spring, reblooming through summer |
| Flower Color | Coral-pink, 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
Fragrant edging and rock gardens: The warm coral and neat cushion make a cheerful front-of-border edge. 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 Coral Reef 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 Coral Reef 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: 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 fragrant?
Yes — the flowers carry the classic sweet, spicy clove scent of pinks.
Q: How do I keep it blooming?
Shear off spent flowers after the first flush to encourage rebloom through summer.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — deer and rabbits rarely bother dianthus.
You May Also Like
Coconut Surprise Dianthus (Dianthus): White with a cherry-red eye.
Sedum (Hylotelephium): A drought-tough, deer-resistant partner.
Catmint (Nepeta): Blue spikes that contrast the coral blooms.
How Many Coral Reef Dianthus Do I Need?
This tidy 10–12 in. cushion works as a fragrant front-of-border edge. Space plants about 11 inches apart and plant in clusters of 3–5 for a continuous ribbon of coral.
| Edge / Bed Length | Plants Needed (11 in. spacing) |
|---|---|
| 10 ft | 11 |
| 20 ft | 22 |
| 30 ft | 33 |
| 40 ft | 44 |
Coral Reef Dianthus Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Silvery-blue foliage greens up early and bursts into clove-scented coral-pink bloom in late spring.
- Summer: Shear spent flowers for repeat bloom; the neat cushion stays fresh and fragrant through the heat.
- Fall: Scattered late flowers continue as nights cool; foliage stays tidy.
- Winter: Semi-evergreen blue-green foliage persists under snow, holding the edge of the bed year-round.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Drought-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Coconut Surprise Dianthus — a white, cherry-eyed pink that echoes the same fragrant cushion habit.
- Cute as a Button Dianthus — little double pink blooms over silver foliage for a layered edge.
- Autumn Fire Sedum — a drought-tough, deer-resistant partner with late-season rosy heads.
- Bloodstone Sea Thrift — matching grassy cushion that loves the same sharp-drained sun.
Is Coral Reef Dianthus Right for Your Yard?
It thrives in full sun and sharply drained soil — front edges, rock gardens, and slopes where deer and rabbits are a problem. Not a fit if your bed stays wet or heavy over winter; ponding around the crown causes rot, so add grit to clay or plant elsewhere.