Pink (Dianthus 'Devon Xera' FIRE STAR)
Dianthus 'Devon Xera' FIRE STAR, a low-maintenance Pink perennial, offers fragrant, showy red blooms in full sun gardens from May to July.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Dianthus ‘Devon Xera’ FIRE STAR is a highly valued herbaceous perennial, commonly known as Pink, prized for its compact growth habit and abundant, fragrant flowers. This unique cultivar provides excellent texture with its narrow, gray-green leaves, forming a dense cushion perfect for rockeries or border fronts. Gardeners appreciate Dianthus ‘Devon Xera’ FIRE STAR for its extended bloom period, offering vibrant red flowers with a deeper crimson eye from late spring well into summer.
As a selection from historic English breeding, this Pink fits easily into many garden styles while requiring relatively low maintenance. It thrives best when provided with plenty of sunshine and good drainage, making careful soil management critical for long-term success in the landscape. Whether massed as ground cover or used singly in containers, Dianthus ‘Devon Xera’ FIRE STAR delivers reliable, clove-scented color.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Caryophyllaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.5-0.75 ft
- Spread: 0.5-1 ft
- Bloom Time: May to July
- Bloom Description: Red with deeper crimson eye
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Dianthus ‘Devon Xera’ FIRE STAR is best achieved in spring or early fall when temperatures are moderate. Locate this Pink in a position receiving full sun, which is crucial for abundant flowering. The plant performs optimally in organically rich, gritty loams that are neutral to slightly alkaline, but excellent drainage is the single most important factor. Incorporating leaf mold or other organic material helps retain necessary moisture without leading to soggy roots.
Watering should be medium—allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, especially during hot summers. While established plants are relatively self-sufficient, consistent moisture helps them through peak heat periods. Fertilizing is rarely required if the soil is rich; over-fertilizing can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
To encourage repeat blooming, promptly deadhead spent flowers from Dianthus ‘Devon Xera’ FIRE STAR. For tidiness and to promote a second flush of bloom in late summer or fall, gardeners can shear the plants back lightly after the main flush of spring/early summer flowering has passed. Ensure good air circulation, as crowding can encourage leaf spot diseases in humid weather.
Landscape Uses
Dianthus ‘Devon Xera’ FIRE STAR excels when used near walkways or patios where its fragrance can be easily enjoyed. Its compact, mat-forming habit makes it an exceptional choice for edging beds or planting along the fronts of borders, creating a neat, evergreen frame. Consider using this Pink in rock gardens, capitalizing on its preference for gritty, well-drained soils, mimicking its alpine origins.
When massed, these plants create an attractive, low-growing ground cover that suppresses weeds while providing season-long visual interest. They perform reliably in containers, either as a singular specimen or mixed with taller annuals or perennials that share similar sun and watering requirements. The perennial dianthus group, including this cultivar, offers excellent contrast when planted alongside broader-leafed, moisture-loving border plants.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Perennial dianthus, commonly called carnations or pinks, feature fragrant flowers on stiff stems clad with narrow, gray-green leaves. The cultivar Dianthus ‘Devon Xera’ FIRE STAR is noted for its compact growth, deeply fragrant blooms, and extended bloom period, with narrow, glaucous leaves forming a dense cushion. Its fragrant, clove-scented, red flowers appear sporadically from late spring through summer, rising slightly above the foliage mound.
Tolerances
- Deer
Potential Problems
Dianthus is generally susceptible to crown rot, particularly if grown in wet, poorly drained soils, so achieving excellent drainage is paramount when siting Dianthus ‘Devon Xera’ FIRE STAR. Leaf spot may occur in humid summers, particularly where plants are crowded, causing blemishes on the narrow foliage. Prevention involves ensuring sufficient air circulation and avoiding overhead watering during humid conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Pink suitable for?
Dianthus ‘Devon Xera’ FIRE STAR is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8.
How large does Dianthus ‘Devon Xera’ FIRE STAR grow?
This perennial typically reaches a height of 0.5 to 0.75 feet tall with a spread between 0.5 and 1 foot wide.
What sun exposure does Pink need?
This plant requires full sun to flower its best, though it prefers cooler summer temperatures.
When does Pink bloom?
Dianthus ‘Devon Xera’ FIRE STAR blooms primarily from May to July, showing red flowers with a deeper crimson eye, often continuing sporadically afterward.
Conclusion
Dianthus ‘Devon Xera’ FIRE STAR remains a staple choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance color and sweet fragrance from a tough perennial. Pairing its showy blooms with its evergreen cushion of foliage makes this Pink cultivar indispensable for borders and rock gardens. Before planting, confirm your site offers the full sun and excellent drainage required to ensure the Dianthus ‘Devon Xera’ FIRE STAR thrives through warm summers.
Companion Planting
This dianthus pairs wonderfully with other sun-loving, drought-tolerant perennials that appreciate sharp drainage. Consider planting it alongside creeping thyme, various Sedums, or shorter varieties of ornamental grasses. Its low, mounding form also contrasts nicely with upright, spiky plants like Salvia or Veronica, creating textural variety in the flower bed. Keeping companions that do not require constant moisture will help maintain the dry soil conditions preferred by your Dianthus ‘Devon Xera’ FIRE STAR.
Design Ideas
The compact size of this Pink makes it perfect for creating intricate patterns in formal knot gardens or utilizing as permanent edging along pathways. For a fragrant garden section, group multiple Dianthus ‘Devon Xera’ FIRE STAR plants together. In mixed containers, use them as a spill-over element near the rim, allowing the small foliage mound to cascade slightly while providing intermittent bursts of red color near the edge.
