Dianthus American Pie® Cherry Pie (Pink)

Dianthus American Pie® ‘Cherry Pie’: Vivid Color & Carefree Charm for Today’s Gardens

Imagine strolling through your spring garden, the sun warming the air and the scent of spicy, sweet blossoms drifting up as you pass. Clusters of cherry-red blooms rimmed in white glow above frosty blue foliage. Bees buzz, butterflies float, and your border feels instantly elevated. This is the magic of Dianthus American Pie® ‘Cherry Pie’—a new perennial pink designed for nostalgic beauty and modern ease.

History & Breeding

Bred in the United Kingdom by Whetman® Pinks, this standout is part of the American Pie® Series. The ‘Cherry Pie’ selection combines exceptional repeat flowering, robust health, classic clove-scented blooms, and unique cherry-red petals crisply edged in white. Unlike many old-fashioned pinks, ‘Cherry Pie’ brings consistent color from spring through fall, in a compact, clump-forming habit.

Plant Type & Habit

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial Dianthus hybrid
• Botanical Name: Dianthus ‘Wp19 Pie65’
• Growth Habit: Compact, mounded, forming dense 11-inch (28cm) domes
• Durability: Heat and drought tolerant, handles wind and coastal conditions well

Size

At maturity, it grows about 11 inches (28cm) tall and 11 inches wide—ideal for the front of borders, mixed beds, or containers.

Lifespan

A true perennial: plants persist several years, with evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage providing structure across seasons. Divide every 2–3 years to maintain vigor.

Flowers & Bloom Season

• Flower Color: Cherry-red petals with snappy white edges; each flower is a single, ruffled disc.
• Scent: Classic sweet clove fragrance.
• Bloom Period: Late spring into fall; will slow in midsummer heat, then rebloom promptly with deadheading..

Foliage

Narrow, glaucous blue-green leaves form dense, grassy hummocks, making an attractive base even out of bloom.

Hardiness

• USDA Zones: 4–9
• Weather Tolerance: Excellent for coastal, windy, or rocky sites; resists heat and periodic drought if well-drained.

Uses

• Pollinator and cottage gardens
• Cut and dried flower arrangements (sturdy stems, great vase life)
• Low edging or groundcover (non-spreading)
• Containers and patio planters
• Rock and gravel gardens, slopes, and hillsides

Deer and Rabbit Resistance

The spicy, aromatic foliage deters deer and rabbits, making it a reliable pick in critter-prone areas.

Wildlife and Ecological Benefits

• Blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies
• Low water and fertilizer needs support sustainable gardening

Toxicity

Dianthus is mildly poisonous to humans and animals, including cats, dogs, horses, and children. All parts, especially the leaves, contain triterpenoid saponins. Contact can cause dermatitis; ingestion may result in vomiting or gastrointestinal upset. Though toxicity is considered low, sensitive individuals should handle with care and avoid eating any part of the plant. Always supervise children and pets in the garden to prevent accidental contact or ingestion.

Invasiveness

Clump-forming and non-invasive. ‘Cherry Pie’ does not run or self-seed aggressively—perfect for contained beds and mixed borders.

Getting Started: Planting ‘Cherry Pie’

Location, Location, Location!

• Sun: Full sun is ideal; tolerates some light afternoon shade in hot climates.
• Soil: Neutral to slightly alkaline; gritty or well-drained is essential (heavy clay and excess moisture will cause root issues).
• Spacing: 10–12 inches (25–30cm) apart for good air flow and full mounded form.

How to Plant

• Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
• Tease roots loose if pot-bound.
• Set plant level with surrounding soil; backfill and water thoroughly.
• Mulch lightly (keep off the crown) in winter if needed.

What About Seeds?

This hybrid is best grown from vegetative divisions or purchased nursery plants—seedlings will not come true.

Caring for ‘Cherry Pie’ Dianthus

• Water: Water new plantings well; mature plants prefer drier soil and are drought tolerant.
• Fertilize: Light, low-nitrogen feed in early spring only; avoid rich soils.
• Deadhead: Remove finished blooms regularly for consistent repeat flowering.
• Divide: Every 2–3 years, divide in early spring to rejuvenate clumps.
• Mulch: Light mulch in winter for cold zones, but leave the crown exposed.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Pests and Diseases

• Pests: Occasional aphids or thrips on buds—rinse or use insecticidal soap if needed; in hot, dry weather, watch for spider mites; in damp shade, slugs may chew petals.
• Foliar diseases: Leaf spot or rust in humid weather; improve airflow and keep foliage dry.
• Root & crown rot: Caused by wet soil—always amend for drainage.
• Leggy growth: Not enough sun or overly rich soil—move to a sunnier, leaner spot and reduce feeding.
• Yellowed/spotted leaves: Often linked to overwatering or overcrowding—improve drainage and thin plants for airflow.

Designing with ‘Cherry Pie’

• Pollinator strips: Combine with lavender, catmint, or penstemon.
• Cottage/border planting: Try with campanula, echinacea, creeping phlox.
• Containers: 3 plants per 12″ patio pot—great impact!
• Edging or slope planting: Mounded form ideal for front-of-border or gentle slopes.

“I cut a handful every week all summer—the blooms and fragrance don’t stop. Bees love them and so do I.” — Oregon gardener

Companion Planting and Pairing

• Purple perennials: Salvia, nepeta, verbena contrast beautifully.
• Yellow/gold foliage: Heuchera, cushion spurge for color play.
• Silver partners: Artemisia, lamb’s ear, lavender for classic combos.
• Dwarf grasses: Festuca, Carex—great in small space xeriscapes.

Propagation Tips

Division

• Lift and slice clumps in early spring/fall, replant and water in.

Cuttings

• Take 3–4 inch non-flowering tip cuttings, dip in rooting hormone, and root in sand/perlite.
• Root in 3–5 weeks; plant robust divisions for new color patches or to share with friends.

Fun Facts About ‘Cherry Pie’ Dianthus

• ‘Dianthus’ means “divine flower.”
• Modern breeding = longer bloom and compact, floriferous form.
• Evergreen foliage for winter interest in mild zones.
• Clove-scented blooms stand out in bouquets and as garden perfume.

Common Questions Answered

Will ‘Cherry Pie’ bloom all summer?

Yes! With regular deadheading it reblooms from late spring to frost.

Does it need staking?

No—strong, upright stems stay neat even after rain.

Can I grow it in containers?

Absolutely. Use free-draining mix and full sun for best performance.

Why won’t my plants flower?

• Too little sun or overly rich, moist soil can decrease bloom. Choose sunny, gritty spots and limit feeding.

Is it scented?

Yes! Strong clove fragrance is a highlight indoors and out.