Tiny Rubies Dianthus

Fragrant Pink Mounds of Joy

Tiny Rubies Dianthus (Dianthus 'Tiny Rubies') is a charming little powerhouse of color and clove-like fragrance, packing a punch with its petite size and spicy-sweet blooms. This low-growing herbaceous perennial forms tidy, rounded evergreen (semi-evergreen or herbaceous in colder climates) mounds blanketed in deep rose-pink, double flowers with finely "pinked" (serrated) petal edges. Blooming heavily in early summer and again in fall, Tiny Rubies is a reblooming delight that's both cute as a button and tough as nails.

Each cushion of deep-green foliage remains evergreen through winter, providing year-round texture and form. Its ruffled flowers rise above the foliage like miniature pom-poms, turning borders, paths, and rocky spaces into a sea of vivid pink. Though diminutive in stature, it offers big impact, both visually and aromatically, with a warm clove scent that draws pollinators and gardeners alike.

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Key Features

• Double, serrated-edge blooms in deep rose-pink
• Spicy clove-like fragrance
• Forms neat evergreen mounds
• Reblooms in fall after early summer flowering
• Heat, humidity, and drought-tolerant once established
• Hardy in USDA Zones 3–9

Landscaping Uses

It's beloved in cottage gardens and Mediterranean-inspired designs for its drought and heat tolerance. This petite perennial reaches just 4-5 inches tall and spreads 10-12 inches wide, forming soft, fragrant mounds perfect for:

• Edging garden borders and beds
• Filling in a Rock Garden
• Front-of-border placements and path linings
• Tucking into cracks and crevices in stone walls
• Between pavers or along a path - handles light foot traffic
• Great along sidewalks and streetside hell-strip plantings
• Container gardening and mixed planters
• Anchoring the edge of a cottage garden

Care and Maintenance

Native to Cheddar Gorge in England, hence the nickname Cheddar Pink, Dianthus 'Tiny Rubies' has adapted beautifully to a wide range of climates. Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9, this resilient bloomer thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, withstanding both short dry spells and humid conditions with grace.

As a drought-tolerant herbaceous perennial that can remain semi-evergreen in mild winters, Tiny Rubies is perfect for gardeners who want low-maintenance beauty with high performance. It will return year after year if cared for properly.

• Planting Time: Spring or fall
• Sun Needs: Full sun preferred; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil; avoid heavy clay unless amended
• Moisture Needs: Average watering needs; tolerates short dry periods, but needs water during prolonged droughts. Use the Finger Test.
• Arborist Mulch: A 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch around the base keeps roots cool and suppresses weeds
• Fertilization Needs: Light feeding in early spring with balanced fertilizer
• Pruning Info: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming; shear back after flowering for a tidy shape
• Special Needs/Perks/Growing Tips and Tricks For Success:
• Deer and rabbit resistant
• Good salt tolerance, great near sidewalks or driveways
• Excellent for urban gardens and compact spaces
• Tolerates light foot traffic
• Division Info: Divide clumps every 2–3 years in early spring to maintain vigor and prevent crowding

A Gem in Every Garden

Tiny Rubies may be petite, but they deliver mighty beauty with their spicy pink charm and evergreen presence. Whether nestled into a stone wall or spilling from a sunny pot, these frilled flowers are Ma Nature’s gift to scent, color, and easy-care design!

Buy now and Nature Hills will ship at the appropriate planting time for your growing zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dianthus 'Tiny Rubies' evergreen?
Yes! In most mild-winter zones, its foliage stays evergreen or semi-evergreen, providing year-round structure.

Do Tiny Rubies Dianthus rebloom?
They bloom in early summer and often rebloom again in fall if deadheaded.

Can Dianthus grow in part shade?
Yes, they tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hot, humid regions, though full sun is best for blooms.

Is Dianthus deer resistant?
Yes! Deer usually avoid these spicy-scented flowers.

Do I need to divide Tiny Rubies Dianthus?
Yes, every 3-5 years is ideal to keep the clumps blooming and vigorous.

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