Botanical Name: Dianthus chinensis ‘American Pie® Bumbleberry Pie’

Common Name: Dianthus, Pinks

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA Zones 5–9; Often Grown as a Cool-Season Annual

Size: 8–12" Tall × 10–14" Spread

Growth Habit: Compact, Mounded, Well-Branched Habit

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Soil: Well-Drained Soil; Performs Best in Average to Fertile Garden Soil

Water Needs: Moderate; Regular Water During Establishment

Bloom Season: Early Spring through Late Spring; Reblooms in Fall

Fertilizer: Light Feeding During Active Growth

Features: Deep Magenta-Pink Blooms with Dark Centers, Frilled Petals, Rich Color Saturation, Ornamental Flower Form

Uses: Containers, Borders, Edging, Mass Plantings, Cool-Season Displays

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

See our complete Dianthus Plant Guide for full care details.

More About Dianthus ‘American Pie® Bumbleberry Pie’

American Pie® Bumbleberry Pie’ has depth, saturation, and contrast that immediately pulls your eye in. The blooms are a deep magenta-pink with darker, almost velvety centers that give each flower dimension. From a few feet away, the color reads bold. Up close, you see the layering and subtle shading that makes it feel intentional rather than flat. The petals are gently frilled, which softens the intensity of the color just enough. Instead of looking heavy, the blooms have movement and texture. It is one of those varieties that naturally photographs well because the plant presents itself so cleanly.

In Early Spring, when cooler temperatures dominate, Bumbleberry Pie really performs. You get a concentrated flush of blooms that feels substantial. As Summer heat intensifies, flowering may taper, but the structure holds. Once temperatures ease again in Fall, it often responds with another strong round of color. The growth habit is compact and rounded. It stays disciplined without constant trimming. That makes it especially useful in containers where symmetry matters. In the front of a border, it creates a defined edge of saturated color without spreading or thinning out in the center.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, the first thing we noticed was color retention. Some Dianthus fade unevenly or bleach slightly in shifting weather. Bumbleberry Pie holds its tone remarkably well in cool conditions. The saturation stays consistent across the bloom cycle. It also establishes with confidence. Within a short time after planting, it fills in evenly and begins producing buds across the crown rather than just on the outer edge. That full coverage keeps the plant looking dense rather than sparse.

We particularly like using it to anchor mixed plantings. The darker center and rich magenta tone create contrast against silver foliage, crisp whites, and softer blush pinks. It also pairs well with cool purples, adding depth without clashing. For gardeners who want a compact Dianthus with stronger visual weight and dependable cool-season performance, ‘American Pie® Bumbleberry Pie’ delivers intensity, structure, and color consistency in one tight package.

American Pie® Bumbleberry Pie vs. Other Dianthus

Bumbleberry Pie is the boldest and most dramatic variety in the American Pie® Series. Its deep magenta-pink blooms with dark centers create stronger contrast than Berry À La Mode and feel richer and more intense than Cherry Pie’s clean red tones. Compared to Key Lime Pie, Bumbleberry Pie is far more saturated and dramatic, making it the standout choice for gardeners who want depth and visual punch.

When compared to the Super Trouper™ Series, Bumbleberry Pie offers more color complexity and petal texture but lacks the same level of uniform bloom density and cold tolerance consistency. Super Trouper varieties read cleaner and more structured, while Bumbleberry Pie feels expressive and ornamental. Compared to Amazon™ Lavender Magic, Bumbleberry Pie remains shorter and more compact, sacrificing cut-flower potential for garden-friendly form.