Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Whipped Cream Dianthus: Clove-Scented White Edging for Lavender
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Whipped Cream dianthus covers a low, dense mound of grassy blue-green foliage with pure white, semi-double to fully double flowers about 1½ inches wide. The ruffled, finely toothed petals carry the light, sweet, clove-like scent garden pinks are known for, and at peak bloom the leaves almost disappear under the flowers.
It is vigorous and long-lived, with semi-evergreen foliage that looks good most of the year.
Whipped Cream at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Dianthus 'Whipped Cream' |
| Flowers | Pure white, semi-double to double, about 1½ inches |
| Foliage | Blue-green, narrow and grassy, semi-evergreen |
| Size | 8 to 10 inches tall, 12 to 14 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts early June, peaks mid-June, sparse rebloom into early fall |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 4 to 9 |
| Light | Full sun to light part shade |
| Fragrance | Light, sweet and spicy, clove-like |
A natural edge for lavender
Dianthus and lavender are an old cottage garden pairing, and for good reason. Both want full sun and lean, sharply drained soil, both tolerate dry spells and both are lost far more often to wet winter soil than to cold. Plant them together and one watering routine covers the whole bed.
Whipped Cream's low, tidy mounds sit right at the front edge, where the blue-green grassy leaves echo lavender's silver foliage. In June the clean white flowers open as English lavender is coloring up, giving a crisp white line in front of the purple, with two kinds of fragrance on a warm afternoon. Leave a little air between the dianthus and each lavender crown. Lay it out in the Companion Plant Planner.
Built for humid summers
Older garden pinks often die out in the center during muggy summers. Whipped Cream was selected for heat tolerance and resistance to center die-out. Flowering slows in the hottest weeks of midsummer and picks up again as nights cool. You can help it along:
- Let the soil dry between waterings and water at the base, not overhead.
- Give each plant good air circulation.
- Shear lightly after the main flush to tidy the mound and encourage fall flowers.
Winter and spring
It is semi-evergreen and reliably hardy in Michigan in sharply drained soil. Do not pile mulch over the crown, the same rule you follow for lavender. In spring, tidy any winter-damaged leaves.
Small bouquets and containers
The clove-scented flowers are fine for small bouquets; pair a few stems with lavender in a juice glass. Whipped Cream also suits rock gardens and mixed containers in full sun.
About the plug tray
It is offered as a full 72-cell plug tray, a handy amount for edging long lavender rows or a run of containers. See the product page for current availability.
Frequently asked questions
Is it pure white?
Yes, a clean pure white, sometimes with a tiny light pink mark at the very base of the petals.
Does it smell like cloves?
It has a light, sweet, spicy clove-like scent typical of garden pinks.
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