Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Kiss and Tell Dianthus: Clove-Scented Blush Edging for Lavender
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Kiss and Tell dianthus forms a low, dense mound of narrow blue-green leaves, 8 to 10 inches tall and 16 to 18 inches wide. In June it nearly disappears under semi-double flowers about 1¼ inches across, with fringed petals in blush pink fading to white and a dark red ring at the center. They carry the light, sweet, spicy clove scent of classic garden pinks.
It was bred for heat tolerance and for resistance to the center die-out that plagues older pinks, which makes it a better long-term edging plant.
Kiss and Tell at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Dianthus 'Kiss and Tell' |
| Flowers | Semi-double, blush pink to white with a dark red eye |
| Fragrance | Moderate, sweet and spicy, clove-like |
| Foliage | Blue-green, grassy, semi-evergreen |
| Size | 8 to 10 inches tall, 16 to 18 inches wide |
| Bloom | Early to mid-June, repeat bloom after shearing |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 4-9 |
| Light | Full sun to light part shade |
A scented front row
Dianthus and lavender want the same things: sun, lean soil and drainage that keeps winter water off the crown. Kiss and Tell's blue-green leaves sit beautifully against lavender's silver-gray, and its blush flowers make a gentle edging in front of the purple. The fragrance is the real bonus. Walk the bed in June and you get clove at ankle height and lavender at knee height.
The semi-evergreen foliage also keeps the front of the bed tidy for most of the year. Plan an edging row in the Companion Plant Planner.
Planting and care
- Soil: average and well drained; it tolerates dry spells and dislikes wet, heavy soil.
- Water: let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overhead watering.
- Shearing: after the June flush, shear lightly to bring on another round as nights cool.
- Mulch: do not pile mulch over the crown. Winter wetness, not cold, causes most losses.
- Spring: tidy any winter-damaged leaves as growth resumes.
Small bouquets and containers
The flowers sit on short, straight stems, so they suit small bouquets, like a juice glass of pinks and a few lavender sprigs on the windowsill. Kiss and Tell also works in rock gardens and mixed containers where you can enjoy the scent up close.
The 72-cell plug tray
Edging plants are planted in quantity, so the 72-cell plug tray is a practical way to line a long lavender border or pot up your own plants. See the product page for current availability.
Frequently asked questions
Why do older pinks die out in the middle?
Center die-out is common in garden pinks. Kiss and Tell was selected for resistance to it, and good drainage helps too.
Does it bloom all summer?
The main show is in June. Flowering slows in the hottest weeks and picks up again after a light shear and cooler nights.
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