FIRST LOVE Dianthus
Dianthus 'First Love'
FIRST LOVE Dianthus (Dianthus 'First Love') is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 10–14 in tall and 12–15 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Flowers open white and age to deep rose; very long bloom season for a dianthus.
Plant Select®low to medium water10–14 in tall and 12–15 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistantToxic to dogs
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Dianthus 'First Love'
- Variety / cultivar
- FIRST LOVE
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 10–14 in tall and 12–15 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~10–15 in apart
- Bloom length
- Reblooms
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- loam, sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- pink, white
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer, mid summer
- Pollinator value
- moderate
Things to know before you plant
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Planting & establishment
Deep water every 1–2 weeks during establishment (first growing season), then water sparingly per Plant Select guidance.
Frequently asked questions
- Is FIRST LOVE Dianthus good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, FIRST LOVE Dianthus is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting FIRST LOVE Dianthus?
- The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
- How big does FIRST LOVE Dianthus get?
- It matures to about 10–14 in tall and 12–15 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant FIRST LOVE Dianthus?
- Space FIRST LOVE Dianthus about 10 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 15 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is FIRST LOVE Dianthus hardy on the Front Range?
- FIRST LOVE Dianthus is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does FIRST LOVE Dianthus need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is FIRST LOVE Dianthus safe for dogs?
- No. FIRST LOVE Dianthus is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is FIRST LOVE Dianthus deer-resistant?
- FIRST LOVE Dianthus is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is FIRST LOVE Dianthus a good firewise plant near the house?
- FIRST LOVE Dianthus is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does FIRST LOVE Dianthus bloom?
- FIRST LOVE Dianthus reblooms through the season, especially if you deadhead spent flowers on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
