STAR SINGLE™ Eastern Star Dianthus

Dianthus 'Eastern Star'

Nature Hills Nursery

Luminous Magenta-Red Blooms that Glow Against Blue-Green Foliage Year After Year
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 1 ft Tall
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Pollution Tolerant
Sweetly Fragrant Flowers

$29⁹²

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the brightest pink blooms and the tightest foliage mounds, plant in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light. While it tolerates partial shade in the afternoon, you will likely see fewer flowers and a more "leggy" or stretched-out growth habit.
Soil: This Dianthus thrives in gritty, sharply drained soil that leans slightly alkaline. If you have heavy clay, plant in a raised bed or incorporate organic compost and fine gravel to prevent "wet feet" during the winter months.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water twice a week to ensure the roots establish deeply into the surrounding soil. Once mature, Eastern Star is remarkably drought tolerant and only requires supplemental water during prolonged dry spells. Inconsistent watering or overly saturated soil often leads to center die-back or a lack of the signature spicy fragrance.

Pruning Tips

This variety blooms on new wood, so it benefits from a "haircut" immediately after the first flush of flowers fades. Use garden shears to trim back the spent flower stalks and the top inch of foliage to encourage a secondary bloom in late summer. This keeps the plant from looking shaggy and prevents it from wasting energy on seed production.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as new green growth appears to fuel the heavy bloom cycle. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this produces tender new growth that can be easily damaged by the first frost. A light top-dressing of compost each spring is often all this low-maintenance perennial needs to thrive.

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, Reblooming, Fragrant, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Flowering, Container Friendly
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	Moderate
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Summer, Fall
Flower Color	Red
Fragrant	Yes
Botanical Name	Dianthus 'Eastern Star'
Species	hybrid
Cultivar	Eastern Star
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Bold Blooms For Sun & Soil

Looking for a long-blooming, low-growing burst of color that Ma Nature herself might envy? Meet the showstopping STAR SINGLE™ Eastern Star Dianthus (Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Eastern Star'), a fragrant perennial with luminous magenta-red blooms that seem to glow against blue-green foliage.

This sun-loving beauty is part of the STAR SINGLE™ series, bred for exceptional flower power and compact form. Blooming in late spring through early summer and often reblooming in cooler climates, it's a darling of pollinators and gardeners alike.

Low and mounded in habit, this Dianthus only grows about 6–8 inches tall and spreads 10–12 inches wide. The evergreen, narrow, almost silvery blue foliage creates a tidy clump that stays attractive even when it's not in flower. The single-petaled, vivid blooms are star-shaped with a darker eye, held aloft on wiry stems, perfect for adding visual texture and contrast.

Even better? It's fragrant! Not too sweet, but spicy in that classic Clove Pink kind of way.

Key Features

Bright magenta-red single blooms with darker eye
Fragrant, spicy-sweet Clove scent
Low-growing, evergreen, mounded form
Long bloom period with potential rebloom
Drought tolerant and deer resistant
Great for pollinators and xeric landscaping
Hardy in USDA zones 3–9

Landscaping Uses

This compact, 6–8 inch tall perennial adds a dazzling splash of magenta in small spaces and tough conditions.

Symbolically, Dianthus represents admiration and affection—perfect for planting where it'll be adored. This cultivar is deer-resistant, pollinator-friendly, and fits snugly in the Carnation family alongside other Garden Pinks and Sweet William.

Front of sunny borders or along pathways
Rock Gardens or alpine settings
Groundcover for slopes, retaining walls, or edging
Containers and trough gardens
Hell-strips or roadside plantings
Charming touch in a Cottage Garden design
Mass plantings on steep slopes or in sunny flower beds

Care and Maintenance

This is a hardy, evergreen herbaceous perennial with a tough-as-nails attitude once established. Hailing from European alpine and rocky meadow origins, Dianthus gratianopolitanus is a cold-hardy and heat-tolerant groundcover for USDA zones 3–9. It thrives in dry, well-drained soils, making it ideal for rock gardens, slopes, borders, and hell strips.

Planting Time: Early spring to fall. Find Planting and Care Info Here!
Sun Needs: Full sun (6+ hours)
Soil Needs: Well-drained, gritty or loamy soil; dislikes wet feet; tolerates poor and rocky soils
Moisture Needs: Moderate to dry; drought tolerant once established
Mulch: Apply a 3–4 inch deep layer of arborist mulch around (not on) the crown to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilization Needs: Light feeder; one spring application of balanced fertilizer or compost is sufficient
Pruning Info: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage rebloom
Renewal Pruning: Not needed
Special Perks/Growing Tips:

Avoid heavy clay or standing water
Amend with grit or sand for drainage
Great in raised beds or slopes
Rabbit and deer-resistant

Division Info: Divide clumps every 3-5 years in early spring or after blooming to maintain vigor

Star of the Sunny Show

Let STAR SINGLE™ Eastern Star Dianthus shine its way into your sunny garden spaces. With fiery flowers, a spicy perfume, and a tidy form, this little perennial punches above its weight in both beauty and toughness. Use it wherever you want a bit of floral flair without the fuss. Buy now and Nature Hills will ship at the appropriate planting time for your growing zone.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is the STAR SINGLE™ Eastern Star Dianthus suitable for?

The STAR SINGLE™ Eastern Star Dianthus is hardy in USDA zones 3–9. This wide hardiness range makes it suitable for most of the continental United States, from cold northern regions to warmer southern areas. Plant it in full sun for best performance.

What type of soil drainage and pH does the Eastern Star Dianthus need?

Eastern Star Dianthus thrives in well-draining soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5-7.5). This drought-tolerant perennial struggles in wet, heavy clay that retains moisture. Plant in sandy or gravelly soil for best results, available at naturehills.com.

When does the STAR SINGLE™ Eastern Star Dianthus bloom and what color are the flowers?

The STAR SINGLE™ Eastern Star Dianthus blooms from late spring through early summer with vivid magenta-red flowers featuring darker eyes. In cooler climates, it often produces a second flush of blooms later in the season. Plant in full sun for the best flower production and longest bloom period.

Is this dianthus variety deer resistant?

Yes, STAR SINGLE™ Eastern Star Dianthus is deer resistant. This hardy perennial (zones 3-9) naturally repels deer while attracting beneficial pollinators with its fragrant, spicy-sweet blooms. Plant it confidently in exposed areas where deer browsing is a concern.

What plants pair well with Eastern Star Dianthus in garden borders?

Eastern Star Dianthus pairs beautifully with lavender, catmint, and ornamental grasses in sunny borders. Its 6-8 inch height works well fronting taller perennials like Russian sage or black-eyed Susan. Plant with silver-foliaged companions like lamb's ear to complement its blue-green foliage, available at naturehills.com.

Can this dianthus be grown successfully in containers or raised beds?

Yes, STAR SINGLE™ Eastern Star Dianthus thrives in containers and raised beds. Its compact 6-8 inch height and 10-12 inch spread make it ideal for container growing in zones 3-9. Use well-draining soil and provide full sun for best blooms and fragrance.

STAR SINGLE™ Eastern Star Dianthus

Dianthus 'Eastern Star'