Jolt Interspecific Dianthus (Dianthus barbatus interspecific)

• Recommended Use: Cool-season bedding plant
• Exposure: Full sun
• Size: Height, 16-18 inches; width, 12-14 inches
• Habit: Upright and mounding
• Bloom Time: Blooms from fall through early summer. Blooms best through winter when planted early in the fall.
• Maintenance Category: Easy
• Water Use: Moderate
• Highlights: Very reliable performer in all areas of Louisiana. Tolerates heat better than most interspecific dianthus. Long lasting colorful blooms from October to May. More compact than the Amazon series of dianthus. Great for the landscape, containers and as cut flowers.

A mix of Jolt dianthus colors grows in the landscape trials at LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station.

Summary

Some of the best cool-season bedding plants we have available in Louisiana are interspecific dianthus, and the Jolt series dianthus is no exception. Jolt offers a more compact interspecific dianthus when compared to Amazon dianthus, which was named a Louisiana Super Plant in 2010. Moreover, Jolt dianthus is one of the most heat-tolerant interspecific dianthus we have, making it a perfect addition to your Louisiana landscape. Jolt dianthus will continue to bloom into the early summer months, giving you that extra push to carry your landscape into the warm season. Jolt dianthus can be planted in early fall in Louisiana landscapes. Like most bedding plants, they are susceptible to extreme freezing temperatures in the winter, so be sure to take appropriate actions if it gets too cold. However, Jolt dianthus can tolerate temperatures into the low 20s Fahrenheit. Jolts can be planted in late winter for an amazing pop of color throughout the spring and early summer. Aside from the striking bloom colors that come in Jolt Cherry, Jolt Pink and Jolt Pink Magic, Jolt dianthus has excellent dark green foliage that provides additional pop to the bloom color. Jolt dianthus makes wonderful cut flowers in flower arrangements. Jolt dianthus is also great for attracting butterflies in the later fall and early spring.

Requirements

• Plant in full sun to ensure continuous high-quality flowering.
• Place in well-drained soil with pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
• Thrives in raised beds, but ensure adequate water.

Growth Habit

• Will grow to 16 to 18 inches tall and 12 to 14 inches wide.
• An upright mounding habit. Can be grown as a border planting or used in containers. Makes great cut flowers for arrangements.
• Space plants about 8 to 12 inches apart.
• Hardiness zones 7 to 11.

Care and Maintenance

• A slow-release fertilizer incorporated into the soil at planting time will ensure uniform growth. Supplement with liquid feed as needed to keep plants looking their best.
• Jolt dianthus can be seed-grown or purchased in the fall or spring from local nurseries.
• Deadheading is not required but will promote additional flowering.
• Mulch 1 to 2 inches around bedding plants for best performance.

Varieties for Louisiana Landscapes

There are three colors in the Jolt series, including Jolt Cherry, Jolt Pink and Jolt Pink Magic.

Three colors of Jolt dianthus are grown in containers. From left are Jolt Cherry, Jolt Pink Magic and Jolt Pink

For more information on Jolt dianthus and other Louisiana Super Plants, contact your local LSU AgCenter extension office or visit www.LSUAgCenter.com/SuperPlants. The Louisiana Super Plants Program is now part of the Certified Louisiana program.