{"product_id":"kahori-scarlet-dianthus","title":"Kahori Scarlet Dianthus","description":"\u003ch1\u003eA Fragrant, Deer-Resistant Pink for Full-Sun Minnesota Borders\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKahori Scarlet Dianthus (Dianthus 'Kahori Scarlet') tops a tidy mound of blue-green foliage with masses of frilly, clove-scented scarlet flowers from early summer into fall. It's tough, long-blooming, and one of the easiest deer-resistant perennials for the Twin Cities. Whether you're edging a sunny walkway in Woodbury, tucking color into a rock garden in Burnsville, or filling a front border in Plymouth — Kahori Scarlet keeps the color and fragrance coming all season in zone 4b–5a yards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKahori Scarlet Dianthus Plant Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDianthus 'Kahori Scarlet'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePinks, Garden Pinks, Border Pinks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6–10 inches (with flowers)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Width\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–12 inches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate — forms a tidy spreading mound\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull sun (6+ hours). Best flower color and fragrance in full sun.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow to average. Dislikes wet feet — let soil dry between waterings once established.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Zones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4–8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrefers well-draining, neutral-to-alkaline soil. Amend heavy Minnesota clay with grit or compost to sharpen drainage.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSemi-evergreen — grassy blue-green mound holds late into the season.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinter Hardiness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReliable to -30°F in well-drained soil; wet winter soil is the main risk, not cold.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStrongly deer-resistant; rabbits also tend to avoid it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFragrant, frilly scarlet flowers with white centers, early summer to fall; butterflies visit.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKahori Scarlet Dianthus Uses in Minnesota Landscapes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSunny border and walkway edging\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compact mounds make a crisp front edge along a sunny bed or flagstone path. Plant 10–12 inches apart for a continuous ribbon of color that reblooms if you shear off spent flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRock gardens and gravel beds\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDianthus thrives in the lean, sharp-draining soil of a rock garden where many perennials struggle. A natural fit for a south-facing slope in Burnsville or Lakeville.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollinator and cutting gardens\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fragrant flowers draw butterflies and make excellent small cut stems for a windowsill bouquet. Group several for the strongest clove scent on a warm afternoon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBest Time to Plant Kahori Scarlet Dianthus in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFall (late August–early October) is the ideal planting window. Soil is still warm for root development, cool air reduces transplant stress, and the plant gets 6–8 weeks to establish roots before ground freeze (typically mid-November in the Twin Cities).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpring (late April–May) is the second-best window — the plant gets the full growing season to establish before its first winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid summer planting (June–August) when possible. Never plant after mid-October or before late April — frozen ground or frost-heaving kills new roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant Kahori Scarlet Dianthus\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDig wide, not deep. 2–3× the root ball width, same depth as the container.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSharpen drainage. Dianthus hates standing water — on heavy clay, mound-plant or mix in grit and compost to keep the crown dry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSet the crown at or slightly above soil level — never bury it, which invites rot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpace plants 10–12 inches apart for a solid edge.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater in well, then let the soil surface dry between waterings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMulch lightly with shredded bark, kept off the crown. Avoid heavy, moisture-holding mulch right against the plant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering Kahori Scarlet Dianthus in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFirst Year Watering Schedule\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeks 1–2: Every 2–3 days, deep and slow — let the surface dry between\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 1–2: Every 4–5 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 3–6: Every 7 days or less during active growth; skip if rainfall is adequate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStop watering 2–3 weeks before ground freeze (typically late October in the Twin Cities metro).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAfter Year One\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished dianthus is drought-tolerant and only needs water during extended dry spells. Overwatering is far more dangerous than underwatering — let natural rainfall do the work and ensure the soil drains freely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill Kahori Scarlet survive a Minnesota winter?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, in well-drained soil it's reliable to roughly -30°F. The biggest winter risk in Minnesota isn't cold — it's wet, poorly drained soil that rots the crown, so plant it high and dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it really deer-resistant?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrongly. The clove-scented, spicy foliage is one deer and rabbits consistently skip, making it a dependable choice for high-pressure suburbs like Minnetonka and Eden Prairie.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I keep it blooming all summer?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShear off spent flowers with scissors or hedge shears after the first flush. This light deadheading pushes a strong rebloom into late summer and fall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it tolerate Minnesota clay soil?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly if you improve the drainage. Work grit and compost into the planting hole, or mound-plant on heavy clay — dianthus needs its roots to drain, especially over winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eYou May Also Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShop the full Three Timbers Minnesota catalog — zone 4-hardy plants hand-selected for Twin Cities yards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeer-Resistant Plants — for high-pressure suburbs like Minnetonka, Wayzata, and Eden Prairie\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePollinator Garden Plants — supports the Lawns to Legumes program\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Many Kahori Scarlet Dianthus Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpace plants 10–12 inches apart for a crisp fragrant edge, or cluster 3–5 in a gravel or rock garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRun Length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePlants Needed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e33 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e44 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKahori Scarlet Dianthus Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Neat blue-green mound greens up and sets buds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Frilly, clove-scented scarlet flowers with white centers blanket the mound.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shear off spent flowers to drive rebloom into late summer and fall.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-evergreen — the grassy mound holds its color late into the season.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Pollinator-Friendly   ✔ Deer-Resistant   ✔ Drought-Tolerant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant It With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/kahori-dianthus\"\u003eKahori Dianthus\u003c\/a\u003e — the rosy-magenta original for a blended Kahori run.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/kahori-pink-dianthus\"\u003eKahori Pink Dianthus\u003c\/a\u003e — soft rosy-pink to pair with the scarlet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/electric-red-dianthus\"\u003eElectric Red Dianthus\u003c\/a\u003e — another vivid red pink for a hot, fragrant edge.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/firewitch-dianthus\"\u003eFirewitch Dianthus\u003c\/a\u003e — silvery foliage and magenta bloom for contrast.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Kahori Scarlet Dianthus Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKahori Scarlet Dianthus thrives in full sun with sharp drainage — a natural for sunny borders, rock gardens, and gravel beds. Not a fit for wet, poorly drained winter soil, which rots the crown; keep it high and dry.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#1 Gallon","offer_id":54230600253745,"sku":null,"price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/Kahori_Scarlet_Dianthus_1.jpg?v=1779074401","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/kahori-scarlet-dianthus","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}