Dianthus 'Coconut Punch' PP#21,876

Coconut Punch™ is marvelously fragrant, double-flowered, and brightly colored. When it begins blooming its flowers are a rich burgundy with pure white margins, but as the season continues, the white becomes more and more prominent -- hence the "coconut punch" of its name! By the time it ceases in early autumn, the blooms are white with red blotches! Fun, easy to grow, and simply beautiful, this Pinks deserves a home in your best patio containers, sunny border, and other small spaces where you need a jolt of fragrance and evergreen color.

The season begins in early summer, when the 1½- to 2-inch blooms begin appearing on long stems above needle-shaped blue-green leaves. Perfect for buttonholes, nosegays, and bouquets, these blooms last a long time after cutting, their stems very sturdy. They release a spicy scent that is usually compared to cloves but has strong overtones of allspice or cardamom -- sweet and complex.

The blooms continue in waves all summer and through the first part of autumn, becoming whiter and whiter. They make good companions in the vase to everything from roses to all the daisy-shaped, single-flowered summer perennials. Though just a foot wide and high in bloom (much shorter the rest of the year!), Coconut Punch™ makes a big impact in the garden.

This Carnation is generally left unnibbled by deer, and demonstrates good resistance to heat. Its breeding is impeccable: one parent is the famous 'Double Spotty.' Kevin Hurd developed Coconut Punch™ in 2008 as part of the lively Fruit Punch™ series, and we're certain it's set to become a classic! Enjoy this flamboyant little beauty. Zones 4-9.