Velvet N Lace Dianthus is a fragrant, low-growing flower that brings dramatic color contrast to gardens in hardiness zones 3 and up. The velvety, burgundy-black petals are edged in creamy white, creating a striking two-tone effect that looks almost hand-painted. This biennial grows just 10 inches tall with a 12-inch spread, reaching flowering maturity in about 120 days from seed. The clove-scented blooms emerge from mounds of blue-green foliage and work beautifully in containers, rock gardens, and cut flower arrangements.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-3
10in H x 12in W
—
High
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The real draw here is the color contrast: those rich burgundy-black petals rimmed in cream white feel almost jewel-like against the blue-green foliage. The flowers carry a genuine clove fragrance, distinctive enough to notice when you brush past the plant. Its biennial habit means you get spring blooms, then cut it back for a second flush in fall, extending the show across the growing season. The compact, mounding form and moss-like foliage make it exceptionally effective in tight spaces and containers where you want maximum visual impact from minimal footprint.
Velvet N Lace Dianthus shines in container gardening and rock gardens, where its low, tidy mound and striking color combination draw the eye. The cut flowers bring that spiced clove fragrance and dramatic petal coloring indoors for vase arrangements. Gardeners also pair it with low ornamental grasses and Alliums in mixed borders, where the deep burgundy-black and cream contrast complements the vertical interest of taller companions.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date. Maintain soil temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for best germination.
Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting outdoors after the last frost date has passed. Space plants 12 inches apart.
Cut back the entire plant after spring flowering to encourage regrowth and a second bloom cycle in fall. This pruning also keeps the mound compact and prevents the plant from becoming leggy.
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