Dianthus Scent First® Sugar Plum

Dianthus Scent First® Sugar Plum offers richly scented blooms and distinctive garden color in a refined, compact form. Part of the award-winning Whetman® SCENT FIRST® Collection, this variety features ruffled, double flowers in vivid pink with crisp white margins. Dark, chocolate-colored buds provide striking contrast before opening, and the silvery-blue foliage adds year-round ornamental interest. Growing just 11 inches tall and wide, Sugar Plum delivers strong visual impact without overwhelming smaller spaces.

This dianthus is an excellent choice for sunny borders, raised beds, containers, and cut flower gardens. Its spicy fragrance and elegant, two-toned flowers make it a standout among other compact perennials. Use it as a colorful front-of-border accent or combine with other sun-loving selections like lavender, coreopsis, or salvia for a layered, season-spanning display. Its upright habit and sturdy stems ensure the blooms remain tidy and visible throughout the growing season.

Hardy in Zones 5 to 9, Sugar Plum performs best in full sun and well-drained, average soil. Deadheading spent blooms is essential for encouraging repeat flowering from early summer into fall. Resistant to deer and adaptable to a range of settings, it offers lasting fragrance, strong garden performance, and a tidy habit. With its compact size, extended bloom time, and memorable scent, this dianthus is a reliable, low-maintenance favorite.