Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Black Cherry Frost Dianthus: Velvet Red Edging for Lavender Beds
Save
Black Cherry Frost dianthus has rich, velvety deep red flowers, each petal traced with a fine, toothed line of near white. The formal, semi-double blooms sit on strong stems a few inches above a low mound of silvery blue, grassy foliage, and they carry a light, sweet, clove-like scent.
Of all the companions on our list, few match lavender's habits as closely. Same sun, same drainage, same dislike of wet winters.
Black Cherry Frost at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Dianthus 'Black Cherry Frost' |
| Flowers | Semi-double, about 1¼ inches, velvety deep red with a fine white edge |
| Fragrance | Light, sweet, spicy clove |
| Foliage | Silvery blue, grassy, semi-evergreen |
| Size | 8 to 10 inches tall, 12 to 14 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts early June, peaks mid-June, repeats in early fall after shearing |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 4 to 9 |
| Wildlife | Good for pollinators; moderately deer resistant |
Why it suits a lavender bed
Silver against silver, with a jolt of red. Black Cherry Frost's blue-gray foliage blends with lavender's gray leaves, so the front of the bed reads as one cool, textured carpet. Then the dark cherry flowers open in early June, just ahead of English lavender, and make the purple look deeper when it arrives.
At under a foot tall, it belongs at the very front, as an edging along a path or the lip of a raised bed. Both plants prefer lean, fast-draining soil and modest water, so you are not managing two different routines. In a rock garden or a gravel-mulched lavender bed it looks especially at home.
Planting and care
- Site: full sun to light part shade; full sun gives the most flowers.
- Soil: average, well drained. Wet, heavy soil, especially in winter, is its biggest threat.
- Water: tolerates dry spells once established. Overwatering invites crown and root rot.
- After the first flush: shear lightly to encourage a second bloom in early fall.
- Winter: foliage stays semi-evergreen in Michigan. Keep heavy mulch off the crown and trim winter-burned tips in spring.
Flowering may pause in the hottest weeks of summer and resume as nights cool. That is normal.
Small bouquets with a spicy scent
The flowers are good for cutting. A handful of Black Cherry Frost stems with a few sprigs of lavender makes a small, fragrant bouquet, the clove and lavender scents playing nicely together. It also works in mixed containers with sharp drainage.
The plug tray
Black Cherry Frost comes as a 72-cell plug tray, enough to edge long beds or pot up your own starts. See the product page for current availability and the Wholesale Hub for tray orders.
Frequently asked questions
Does it really smell like cloves?
Yes, lightly. The scent is sweet and spicy and easiest to notice up close.
Will it bloom more than once?
Its main flush is in June. Shear it lightly afterward and it flowers again in early fall.
Can I eat dianthus?
This one is grown as an ornamental and is not recommended for eating.
Share how it went in your field