Star™ Starburst Dianthus

Dianthus x 'Starburst'

Nature Hills Nursery

Neon Star Dianthus with Cherry-Red Semi-Double Blooms Splashed White & Pink
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 1 ft Tall and Wide
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Pollution Tolerant
Sweetly Fragrant Flowers

$29⁵⁷

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant your Star™ Starburst Dianthus in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate light afternoon shade in hotter climates, full sun ensures the most prolific flower production and keeps the foliage dense and silvery.
Soil: These plants demand excellent drainage and prefer gritty or sandy soils. If you have heavy clay, plant them in a raised bed or incorporate organic compost and pea gravel to prevent "wet feet," which can cause the roots to rot during winter.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water twice a week to help the roots knit into the surrounding soil. Once established, these are remarkably drought tolerant and only need supplemental water during extreme dry spells. Avoid overwatering or overhead irrigation, as consistent sogginess or wet foliage can lead to crown rot and fungal spotting on the leaves.

Pruning Tips

This variety blooms primarily on new growth, so it is best to shear the plant back by about one third immediately after the first heavy flush of flowers fades. Think of it like a refreshing haircut; this removes spent blooms and encourages the plant to produce a second, smaller wave of flowers in late summer. This also prevents the center of the mound from becoming woody or "floppy" over time.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as new green growth appears to fuel the upcoming bloom cycle. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this produces soft, lush growth that is easily damaged by the first frost. A light touch is better than overfeeding, as Dianthus naturally thrive in leaner soil conditions.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Fragrant, Evergreen, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Heat Tolerant, Groundcover, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	1 ft
Width	1 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact, Spreading, Trailing, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Annual, Biennial, Perennial
Blooms In	Spring, Summer, Fall
Flower Color	Red, Pink, White
Fragrant	Yes
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Botanical Name	Dianthus x 'Starburst'
Species	x
Cultivar	Starburst
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Sweet, spicy-smelling blooms on fine-textured foliage! Dianthus Star™ Starburst (Dianthus x 'Starburst') enliven your gardens with bright colors!

Summer blooming, ruffled Garden Pinks become completely covered in semi-double, cherry-red and pink flowers splashed with white.

Uniform mounds of grassy blue-green foliage, naturally carpet and define areas and attract butterflies!

How to Use Dianthus Star™ Starburst In The Landscape

Perfectly sized to edge sunny borders and Cottage gardens, Dianthus have a uniform clumping habit that defines walkways and paths beautifully!

Star™ Starburst enhances all sizes of gardens and are perfect in containers. Lovely as rows meandering throughout beds and borders or as facer plants!

Rock gardens, roadside 'hell strips', and coastal areas all benefit from these dry, rocky and saline resistant plants! They are also fragrant, cut flower garden additions!

#ProPlantTips For Care

Full sun plants with improved heat tolerance, Dianthus appreciate afternoon shade in the hotter climates of 4 through 9, where they can be evergreen perennials!

Forming mounds of 6-12" high and spread to about 15-18" wide, carpeting areas quickly. Cold hardy and easy growing, they're deer and rabbit resistant!

Requiring average moisture and any well-drained soil. Drought tolerant Dianthus appreciate mulch and deadheading to encourage rebloom.

Order your own brilliant Dianthus Star™ Starburst by calling Nature Hills today!

Explore More from Nature Hills

The Star™ Starburst Dianthus makes an excellent addition to collections of perennials, drought tolerant, and low maintenance plants that thrive in sunny borders and rock gardens. For more insights into growing these fragrant favorites, check out Dianthus: The Spicy-Sweet Garden Star That Steals The Show and discover how these charming flowers work beautifully in 10 Perennials To Use In Cut Flower Arrangements. Since they're also part of our deer resistant plants collection, you can enjoy their sweet clove fragrance and cheerful blooms without worry about wildlife damage.

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Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Starburst Dianthus a perennial, annual, or biennial in my zone?

Star™ Starburst Dianthus is a perennial in zones 4-9, where it can remain evergreen in milder climates. This hardy perennial forms reliable 6-12" mounds that return each year. Provide afternoon shade in hotter zones and well-drained soil for best performance.

What are the soil requirements for planting Starburst Dianthus?

Q: What are the soil requirements for planting Starburst Dianthus? Star™ Starburst Dianthus thrives in any well-drained soil with average moisture needs. These drought-tolerant perennials handle dry, rocky, and even saline conditions well. Apply mulch around plants and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, available at naturehills.com.

How do I deadhead Starburst Dianthus to keep it blooming?

Deadheading spent blooms encourages continuous flowering throughout the summer season. Simply pinch or cut off faded flowers just above the next set of leaves or buds. Check your plants weekly and remove old blooms to keep fresh cherry-red and pink flowers coming.

Is Starburst Dianthus deer-resistant or do deer eat it?

Starburst Dianthus is deer resistant and rarely browsed by deer or rabbits. The fragrant, spicy-scented foliage naturally deters these garden pests. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil for best deer resistance and overall plant health.

Will Starburst Dianthus survive in clay soil or does it need well-drained soil?

Starburst Dianthus requires well-drained soil and will struggle in heavy clay that retains moisture. These drought-tolerant perennials need good drainage to thrive and prevent root rot. Amend clay soil with compost and coarse sand, or plant in raised beds for better results with varieties available at naturehills.com.

How is Starburst Dianthus shipped and when can I expect delivery?

Dianthus Star™ Starburst ships as healthy nursery plants ready for zones 4-9. These hardy perennials can be planted spring through fall when soil isn't frozen. Plant immediately upon arrival for best establishment before winter.

Does Starburst Dianthus spread or self-seed, and how do I control it?

Star™ Starburst Dianthus spreads to form 15-18" wide mounds but doesn't aggressively self-seed like some perennials. It naturally carpets areas through its clumping growth habit rather than seeding. Deadhead spent blooms to prevent any seed formation and maintain the plant's tidy appearance.

Star™ Starburst Dianthus

Dianthus x 'Starburst'