SCENT FIRST® COCONUT SURPRISE

SCENT FIRST® COCONUT SURPRISE Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips

• Recommended Soil:
• Choose well-drained soil; Dianthus performs especially well where moisture does not linger around the roots.
• Average, gritty or somewhat sandy garden soil is a good fit for this fragrant perennial.
• Soils ranging from neutral to slightly alkaline are generally suitable.
• Avoid consistently soggy locations, particularly during periods of cool or rainy weather.
• Sun Exposure:
• Full sun is ideal for the strongest flowering, compact growth and best fragrance.
• Provide several hours of direct sunlight each day for abundant blooms.
• Morning sun with some afternoon protection can work in especially hot locations.
• Too much shade may produce leggier growth and fewer flowers.
• Irrigation Needs:
• Water deeply when needed, then allow the soil to dry somewhat between waterings.
• Maintain more consistent moisture while plants are becoming established.
• Once established, Coconut Surprise offers useful drought tolerance during ordinary dry spells.
• Good drainage is especially important because constantly wet soil can stress Dianthus roots.
• Feeding & Nutrients:
• Feed lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer formulated for flowering perennials.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage foliage at the expense of flowers.
• Healthy garden soil with modest organic matter generally provides a good nutritional foundation.
• Additional feeding during the growing season can support vigorous flowering when soil fertility is low.
• Pruning & Maintenance:
• Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage additional blooming and keep the plant looking tidy.
• Lightly trim the flowering stems after a major flush to maintain the compact mounding habit.
• Avoid cutting deeply into the foliage; the blue-green leaves provide valuable year-round texture.
• Remove damaged or discolored foliage as needed and keep the crown open to encourage airflow.

Family: Caryophyllaceae · Common Name: Dianthus

FREE with every plant purchased:

• The Sooner Guarantee: For details, click here!
• A pre-applied, pre-measured amount of time release fertilizer that keeps your plant well nourished for up to one year.
• Pre-hydrated Hydro-Gels are included in the top of each container to use when planting as they help retain soil moisture, and plants will establish more quickly with less transplant shock. Plants will also survive drought-like conditions and accidental missed waterings better.
• Planting and Care Instruction brochure.
• Catalogs of new and exciting plant brands, such as Garden Debut® and Proven Winners®.

We use and recommend www.dripdepot.com for our irrigation needs, from simple to install micro and drip systems, to commercial grade irrigation parts and supplies.

Interesting Notes About SCENT FIRST® COCONUT SURPRISE

• A British Original: Scent First® Coconut Surprise originated through the breeding work of John Whetman in Devon, England, where the breeding program focused heavily on compact form, fragrance and distinctive flowers.
• A Happy Accident: The patented cultivar 'WP05 Yves' was selected in 2003 from a group of open-pollinated seedlings, making its exact male and female parentage unknown.
• Why "Pinks"?: The traditional common name "pinks" refers to the fringed, pinked-looking edges of Dianthus petals—not necessarily to the color pink. Coconut Surprise proves the point beautifully with its predominantly white flowers.
• Series-Wide Honors: The Scent First® collection from Whetman Pinks received the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit, recognizing the collection's garden performance and ornamental qualities.
• Patent-Protected Personality: The cultivar behind Coconut Surprise is protected under U.S. Plant Patent PP18,828. Its official cultivar designation is 'WP05 Yves', while Coconut Surprise is the name gardeners are much more likely to remember.