Floral Lace for Early Spring

DIA Floral Lace Lilac
Dianthus ‘Floral Lace Lilac’

We like big blooms, and Blue Ribbon Floral Lace has the largest of any chinensis x barbatus Dianthus. Because this series is a cross of the two species we get an abundance of flowers that thrive in the cooler temps of early spring—a win win. After Pansies this is a reliable crop for early spring, plus it remains popular throughout the spring as well.

For those who favor a neat, well-manicured look Dianthus is a suitable choice—it stays put, with a nicely mounded habit. Now, if you think that means boring, think again, and take a look at these lacy, serrated edges—they breathe texture into a classic garden design. We also like the way the bright green foliage makes the flowers pop.

FN 2.4 DIA Floral Lace Merlot Mix 0001
‘Floral Lace Merlot Mix’

We’ve added two new colors to our Early Spring crop of Floral Lace Dianthus: Lilac and Violet Picotee. Because Floral Lace is this blend of two species, chinensis which is a type of Pink, and barbatus, which is Sweet William it makes the series more frost-tolerant than either parent, with larger flowers.

Floral Lace also blooms extravagantly at a much earlier date. These Dianthus are short at about 8-inches tall, and they like the sun so they’re good for early spring container work. We find that they also do well in front-of-the-border gardens and along pathways.

DIA Floral Lace Violet Picotee
Dianthus ‘Floral Lace Violet Picotee’

These plants bloom without fail all through the spring and early summer, and are great for full sun situations, including rock gardens.

Our Early Spring Dianthus Selection includes:

‘Floral Lace Lilac’
‘Floral Lace Merlot Mix’
‘Floral Lace Picotee’
‘Floral Lace Violet Picotee’

FN 2.3 DIA Floral Lace Picotee 0001
‘Floral Lace Picotee’