Dianthus ‘Scent First Romance’

Dianthus deltoides ‘Scent First Romance’ comes in a double-petalled, frilly concoction of salmon-pink with a carmine eye. It combines charmingly old-fashioned looks, that nostalgic spicy fragrance which immediately brings to mind cottage gardens, plus modern vigour, a tidy habit and impossibly long-flowering. These drought-tolerant and unfussy perennials are superb in containers positioned next to seating where their neat clumps of slender grey-blue foliage make attractive, cushiony domes even before the flurry of flowers appear. With diligent dead-heading it will go on to produce blooms all summer, leaving plenty spare for fragrant bouquets. Possibly the most perfect perennial for containers but equally wonderful for enlivening border edges with bright colour and scent. Height and spread: 45cm (18″).

Dianthus deltoides ‘Scent First Romance’ comes in a double-petalled, frilly concoction of salmon-pink with a carmine eye. Plant Dianthus outdoors in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil that has been enriched with plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost. Choose a position in full sun.