Scent First Tickled Pink Dianthus – A Fragrant, Long-Blooming Perennial

Scent First Tickled Pink dianthus (Dianthus ‘Devon Pp11’) offers spectacular magenta-pink blooms and unbeatable fragrance in the garden This compact perennial flower provides color and fragrance from late spring through fall, making it a standout choice for borders, rock gardens, and containers With its grassy blue-gray foliage and semi-double frilly flowers, Tickled Pink brings unique texture and lasting beauty to sunny spots.

Overview of Scent First Tickled Pink Dianthus

Scent First Tickled Pink is a cultivar of border pinks developed by Whetman Pinks in Devon, England. It’s part of the Scent First series known for long bloom seasons exceptional fragrance and compact growth habit.

This perennial reaches just 6-10 inches tall and spreads 10-12 inches wide. Its low mound of slender blue-tinged leaves provides lovely contrast to the vibrant rose-pink blooms. The ruffled flowers have a double or semi-double form.

One of the key features of Tickled Pink dianthus is its intense clove-like fragrance. The spicy scent perfumes any area where it’s planted. And unlike some perennials, its floral fragrance maintains strength even in hot summer temperatures.

Bloom Time for Tickled Pink Dianthus

Tickled Pink dianthus blooms from late spring through fall in most climates. The long bloom season provides color in the garden for 5 months or more.

In early summer, Tickled Pink explodes with abundant flushes of bright pink flowers on short stems. If spent blooms are trimmed back, it will continue blooming intermittently into the fall. The more sun exposure the plants receive, the more prolifically they will rebloom.

Deadheading and light shearing after the initial spring bloom period encourages re-flushing. This easy maintenance keeps plants tidy and flowering freely.

Growing Conditions for Tickled Pink Dianthus

Tickled Pink dianthus thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It tolerates drought, heat, humidity, and some cold. Here are the ideal growing conditions:

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial sun

• Soil: Average to dry, well-draining soil

• pH Range: 5.5 to 8.5 (neutral to alkaline)

• Hardiness Zones: USDA 5-9

• Watering Needs: Drought tolerant once established

• Flowering: Late spring to fall

• Size: 6-10 inches tall, 10-12 inches wide

Tips for Planting and Caring for Tickled Pink Dianthus

To get the most from Tickled Pink dianthus plants:

• Plant in spring or fall in a spot with full sun exposure. Space 9-12 inches apart.

• Amend soil with compost or organic matter to improve drainage.

• Water new plantings consistently to establish an extensive root system.

• Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support flowering.

• Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering into fall.

• Shear plants lightly after spring flush to keep growth compact.

• Mulch plants to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.

With proper care focused on full sun exposure and good drainage, Scent First Tickled Pink dianthus will perfume your garden with its fabulous flowers and clove-like fragrance from spring through fall.