Perennials

Dianthus 'Neon Star'

Dianthus

Dianthus 'Neon Star': 25 cm high and 20 cm spread, sun to partial shade. Pink flowers in May-July. Zone 3; choose soil compatible with its moisture needs.

Format

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Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Life cycle
Hardy perennial
Hardiness
Zone 3

Discover the plant

Common nameDianthus 'Neon Star'
FamilyCaryophyllaceae
GenusCarnation
CultivarNeon Star
TypeHardy perennial
Botanical nameDianthus

Dianthus ‘Neon Star’, known in the garden as Pink ‘Neon Star’, combines pink-toned blooms with a volume that is easy to place in a composition. Its foliage has grey undertones, which should be highlighted among different textures. The usual flowering period is May-July. When mature, expect 25 cm in height and 20 cm in width, making it suitable for the front of borders and rockeries.

In terms of cultivation, Pink ‘Neon Star’ prefers sun to partial shade; the recommended soil is well-drained, rather light; avoid waterlogging around the crown. After planting Pink ‘Neon Star’, water enough to thoroughly moisten the root ball. Once established, allow the surface to dry between waterings and prioritize drainage, especially during thaws. A spacing of about 20 cm between centers is a good starting point, to be adjusted according to observed vigor. The indicated hardiness level is zone 3, to be assessed according to your garden's conditions.

To maintain the appeal of Pink ‘Neon Star’ after flowering, remove spent blooms and avoid watering that leaves the crown soggy at the end of the day. The dianthus crown should remain clear; lower leaves do not tolerate a layer of damp mulch pressed against them. For plant pairings, consider catmints, yarrows, and border salvias in varieties with similar needs. The flowering period (May-July) and the 20 cm spread will serve as guides for arranging other plants around this one.

Œillet ‘Neon Star’ — Dianthus

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Spacing / density 20 cm
Best planting time Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing time for the roots to establish before the severe cold.
Propagation Division of clumps; stem cuttings. Sowing does not guarantee the fidelity of a named cultivar.
Growing method
Carnation 'Neon Star': In spring after the thaw or in early fall, allowing time for the roots to establish before the severe cold. After planting Carnation 'Neon Star', water enough to thoroughly moisten the root ball. Once rooted, let the surface dry between waterings and prioritize drainage, especially during thaws. The crown of the carnation must remain clear; the lower leaves do not tolerate a layer of damp mulch pressed against them.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

neutral; general botanical group indicator

Care level

Routine maintenance

Watering

After planting ‘Neon Star’ Dianthus, water enough to deeply moisten the root ball. Once established, allow the surface to dry out between waterings and prioritize good drainage, especially during thaws.

Soil type

Draining, rather light; avoid water pockets around the crown

Fertilization

Fertilizer for flowering

Moisture

Low to medium after establishment; priority drainage

Seasonal care

Dianthus 'Neon Star': remove spent blooms and avoid watering that leaves the crown soggy at the end of the day. During its flowering period (May-July), also watch out for damaged stems and neighboring plants that might obscure the clump.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

A stable, perforated container, significantly wider than the root ball; size to be adapted to the format sold and adult development.
To grow 'Neon Star' Dianthus in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes that is appropriate for the root ball and its future size (20 cm). Water must drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than you would for plants in the ground. Plan for winter protection for the container depending on your climate.
Œillet ‘Neon Star’ — Dianthus

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

10 inches (25.5 cm)

Width / spread

8 inches (20.5 cm)

Flower color

Pink

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Persistent to semi-persistent depending on the climate and winter conditions

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Erected

Fragrance

Not documented for this selection

Bloom period

May-July
Œillet ‘Neon Star’ — Dianthus

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Companion plants for ‘Neon Star’ Pinks: catmints, yarrows, border sages. Choose varieties that tolerate sun to partial shade and similar moisture levels; ensure each clump has enough space to grow to maturity.

Plants to avoid

Around ‘Neon Star’ carnations, above all, avoid neighboring plants that would cover its leaves or strongly compete with its root ball. Compatibility in terms of light, water, and spread takes precedence over a list of so-called enemy plants.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

Where to plant Dianthus 'Neon Star'?
Provide sun to partial shade and a suitable soil (well-drained, rather light; avoid water pockets around the collar). The carnation's collar should remain clear; the lower leaves do not tolerate a layer of damp mulch pressed against them.
Where should I plant Dianthus 'Neon Star'?
Expect a height of about 25 cm and a width of 20 cm at maturity. Approximately 20 cm between centers, to be adjusted according to the actual development of the clump. This size is suitable for use as a foreground in borders and rock gardens.
When does Dianthus 'Neon Star' bloom?
The indicated period is May-July. The flower color palette is pink. The exact date and duration depend on the climate, season, and plant establishment.
How to water and care for Dianthus 'Neon Star'?
After planting ‘Neon Star’ Dianthus, water thoroughly to moisten the root ball deeply. Once established, allow the surface to dry out between waterings and prioritize drainage, especially during thaws. Remove faded flowers and avoid watering methods that leave the crown soaked at the end of the day.
Can 'Neon Star' Pinks be grown in pots?
To try 'Neon Star' Dianthus in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (20 cm). Water must drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than you would for plants in the ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.