Odessa® 'Red' Pinks

Odessa® Red is a compact perennial carnation in the Odessa® series, with fragrant, double crimson flowers and darker red markings at the center. It forms a clump of narrow grey-green foliage and flowers from late spring through summer, with the cultivar profile describing a longer spring-to-autumn season. ## Flowers and form The deep red blooms make this selection useful where a concentrated color accent or cut flowers are wanted. Heritage Perennials lists the cultivar at about 10–12 inches tall and wide and gives USDA zones 4–9. The [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/292857/dianthus-odessa-red-odessa-series-pt/details) describes the compact habit, flower markings, and late-spring-to-summer flowering; its hardiness rating is UK-specific. ## Site and use Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil. The RHS recommends fertile, well-drained soil with neutral to alkaline pH, while the cultivar profile also lists normal, sandy, or clay soils. This compact plant suits a border, container, or cut-flower planting. ## Seasonal display Flowers begin in late spring and continue through summer; the cultivar profile lists additional fall flowering for this selection. Narrow grey-green leaves form a dense clump, and foliage is usually evergreen in mild winters. ## Maintenance Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering, as the RHS recommends. Keep the site well drained; the plant is usually evergreen but may lose some leaves in cold winters.