Botanical profile

Dianthus 'Scent First Passion'

Latin name
Dianthus Scent First® 'Passion'
Common name
Carnation Scent First Passion
Type
Perennial
Family
Caryophyllaceae

Dianthus ‘Passion’ is a compact perennial with spectacular charm, renowned for its deep red double flowers that immediately catch the eye. Its abundant blooms bring a rich and elegant touch to borders, rockeries, flowerbeds, and decorative pots. With its fine, bluish, and slightly silvery foliage, this variety remains ornamental even when not all flowers are open.

Highly prized for its romantic appeal and intense color, Dianthus ‘Passion’ creates a striking effect when planted in groups or combined with perennials in shades of mauve, white, or silver. Its delicate flowers, held above dense foliage, add texture and movement to garden designs. It's an excellent choice for adding character to a sunny garden without requiring too much maintenance.

Easy to grow, Dianthus ‘Passion’ prefers a sunny location and well-drained soil. Once established, it tolerates drier periods quite well and maintains a beautiful appearance throughout the season. Removing spent flowers encourages prolonged blooming and keeps the plant tidy, perfect for gardeners who want a colorful, hardy, and truly remarkable perennial.

Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Pollinators
Attracts or supports pollinating insects

Pollinators

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

Deer
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer

Deer

Care guide

Care level
Low to moderate
Selection guide

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Its spicy fragrance and intense red double flowers make it an ideal perennial for borders, rock gardens, and pots placed near walkways.
Garden use
Use Dianthus Scent First Passion as a border plant, in a rock garden, in a low-growing bed, or in a decorative container. It pairs very well with full-sun perennials such as lavender, salvias, sedums, and small ornamental grasses.
Container growing
The Dianthus Scent First Passion grows very well in a pot with drainage holes, using a light and well-drained potting mix. Place in full sun and water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid saucers filled with water, as this plant does not tolerate standing moisture well.
Seasonal care
In spring, clear away damaged foliage and add a light, balanced fertilizer. During the season, remove spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming and maintain a compact shape. In autumn, avoid pruning too short and ensure the soil remains well-drained before winter.
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 5
Exposure
Full sun
Watering
Moderate
Humidity
Low to moderate
Fertilization
Fertilizer for flowering
Soil type
Well drained, Limestone
Minimum temperature
'-30°C
Propagation method
Cuttings, division
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Late Spring to Summer
Flower color
Pink
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Semi-persistent
Shape
Erected
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
10 inches (25.5 cm)
Width
12 inches (30.5 cm)
Growth rate
Fast
Companion Plants and Spacing

Companion plants, spacing and planting

Companion plants
Lavender, sage, sedum, thyme, compact grasses
Spacing
25-30 cm (10-12 in)

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.