Dianthus American Pie Key Lime Pie
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking fragrant, deer-resistant summer color.
Discover the unique charm of Dianthus American Pie® Key Lime Pie, a perennial celebrated for its distinctive green carnation-like blooms and delightful spicy fragrance. This Whetman® Pinks variety boasts large flowers and an extended bloom period from early summer through fall. It's a low-maintenance plant that attracts pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds while naturally resisting deer. Ideal for borders, containers, and rock gardens, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, offering cold and drought tolerance for easy care in USDA Zones 5-9.
$14.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
854
/ 2769
#854 in Flowers
Price vs Category Average
-63%
Below average
Genus
Dianthus
/ Dianthus
Who it's for
- Fragrance lovers planting near outdoor living spaces
- Gardeners seeking a modern, vibrant color palette
- Busy homeowners wanting long-lasting seasonal color
Who should skip it
- Perfectionists needing consistent, unchanging flower hues
- Low-maintenance gardeners avoiding frequent garden chores
- Residents in hot, humid climates with poor drainage
Performance breakdown
Bloom Longevity
Extended flowering window provides consistent color from early summer through fall.
Pollinator Appeal
Fragrant blooms act as a reliable magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds.
Maintenance Ease
Low-effort perennial that thrives with minimal intervention in most garden settings.
Pest Resistance
Natural deer resistance keeps garden borders protected without extra chemical barriers.
Cut Flower Utility
Sturdy stems and unique coloration make these ideal for indoor arrangements.
Environmental Hardiness
Robust tolerance for both cold snaps and dry spells ensures reliability.
Key Specs
Genus
Dianthus
Hardiness Zones
5 - 9
Mature Height
12 inches
Mature Width
12 inches
Bloom Period
Early Summer to Early Fall
Growth Habit
Groundcover
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Plant Life Cycle
Perennial
Features
- Unique green carnation flowers with white accents
- Strong stems perfect for cut flower arrangements
- Captivating spicy fragrance
- Long blooming season from summer to fall
- Attracts beneficial pollinators
- Deer resistant for garden protection
- Tolerant of cold and drought conditions
- Easy to care for
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Dianthus American Pie Key Lime Pie for its stunning and unique coloration, noting the unusual pale green and yellow tones truly stand out in the garden. The strong, sweet clove fragrance is frequently mentioned as a delightful bonus, enhancing the overall garden experience. Reviewers highlight the exceptional quality and vigor of the plants upon arrival, reporting quick establishment and reliable, long lasting blooms throughout the season. This variety is celebrated for delivering both novelty and dependable performance.
Know before you buy
This plant thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil to prevent root rot. It is hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9 and performs best when given consistent sunlight throughout the day.
The 'Key Lime Pie' variety is known for its extended bloom period, which lasts from early summer through early fall. Its strong stems make it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements during this time.
Yes, this variety is naturally deer resistant, making it a reliable choice for gardens where deer pressure is a concern. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, it is significantly less likely to be grazed upon than many other perennials.
Since this Dianthus reaches a mature height and width of approximately 12 inches, you should space them about 12 inches apart. This allows for proper air circulation while creating a full, cohesive groundcover effect.
It is considered a low-maintenance perennial that is both cold and drought-tolerant once established. Beyond ensuring it is planted in well-drained soil, it requires very little intervention to thrive.
No, this specific variety of Dianthus is not edible. It is intended strictly for ornamental use in borders, containers, and rock gardens.
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$15