Double Bubble Dianthus
Double Bubble Dianthus
Fragrant Double Bubblegum-Pink Blooms All Summer
Double Bubble Dianthus (Dianthus 'Double Bubble') heaps the border with full, double bubblegum-pink, clove-scented flowers over a compact cushion of blue-green foliage. Blooming heavily in late spring and reblooming through summer, it's tough, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant, with semi-evergreen foliage. A fun, fragrant, fully double favorite for sunny edges and rock gardens in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Double Bubble Dianthus Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Dianthus 'Double Bubble' |
| 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, reblooming through summer |
| Flower Color | Double bubblegum-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 full double blooms add extra texture to a tidy 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 Double Bubble 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 Double Bubble 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 double 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
Firewitch Dianthus (Dianthus gratianopolitanus): An ultra-hardy magenta with intense fragrance.
Sedum (Hylotelephium): A drought-tough, deer-resistant partner.
Catmint (Nepeta): Blue spikes that contrast the pink blooms.
How Many Double Bubble Dianthus Do I Need?
At 10–14 in wide, space plants about 12 in apart for a fragrant front-of-border edge, or set in clusters of 3–5 in a rock garden.
| Run / Bed Length | Plants Needed (at 12 in spacing) |
|---|---|
| 10 ft | 10 plants |
| 20 ft | 20 plants |
| 30 ft | 30 plants |
| 40 ft | 40 plants |
Double Bubble Dianthus Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Blue-green cushion of foliage greens up, then erupts with full double bubblegum-pink, clove-scented blooms in late spring.
- Summer: Reblooms through summer when sheared; the tidy mound stays attractive and butterflies work the flowers.
- Fall: Light rebloom continues; foliage firms up for winter.
- Winter: Semi-evergreen blue-green cushion persists through the cold with sharp drainage.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Drought-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Firewitch Dianthus — an ultra-hardy magenta pink with the same intense clove fragrance.
- Coral Reef Dianthus — coral-pink blooms extend the dianthus color range.
- Autumn Fire Sedum — a drought-tough, deer-resistant partner for the sunny edge.
- Bloodstone Sea Thrift — tidy grassy tufts and red blooms suit the same lean, well-drained beds.
Is Double Bubble Dianthus Right for Your Yard?
Thrives in full sun and sharply drained, even gritty soil — perfect for rock gardens, dry edges, and hot foundation strips in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove. Not a fit for wet, heavy clay, where the crown rots over a Minnesota winter; add grit if your soil holds water.