Grow Dianthus × 'Fruit Punch® Cranberry Cocktail' for bright, cranberry-red blooms and a neat, mounded habit that looks polished all season. You will get the best flowering in full sun, but it also performs in part shade where summers are hot. Plants stay compact at about 8-10 inches tall, making this dianthus an easy fit at the front of beds, along paths, or in patio pots.
Plant in sharply drained soil and avoid letting the crown sit wet, especially in winter. Water to establish, then let the top of the soil dry slightly between waterings. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more bloom and lightly shear after a flush to refresh the foliage and keep the mound dense. If your soil is heavy, amend with grit or plant on a slight slope or raised area for better drainage.
Use this plant where you want fragrance close to seating areas, and pair it with other sun-loving perennials and small grasses for a long season of color. In containers, choose a fast-draining mix and do not overwater. A light feeding in spring is usually enough; too much fertilizer can reduce flowering and make growth loose. Provide good air circulation and remove old stems in early spring as new growth begins.