Dianthus deltoides (Maiden pink) — Matforming

Overview

Dianthus deltoides is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Dianthus deltoides grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, mediterranean climate plants, patio and container plants, rock garden, cut flowers, flower borders and beds and wall side borders. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region and Flanders.

About

Dianthus deltoides, commonly known as maiden pink, is a matforming herbaceous perennial from the Caryophyllaceae family. It typically grows to between 0.1 and 0.5 metres in height and spread, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This evergreen plant thrives in full sun and is suited to south-, west-, or east-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered conditions. It prefers well-drained alkaline or neutral soils such as chalk, loam, or sand, and remains of interest during the winter season.

About the genus

Dianthus is a genus of about 340 species of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae, native mainly to Europe and Asia, with a few species in northern and southern Africa, and one species (D. repens) in arctic North America. Common names include carnation (D.

Wikipedia contributors, "Dianthus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dianthus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dianthus

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Dianthus deltoides size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Alpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Matforming
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders
Native to: Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dianthus deltoides

Propagation: Softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer, Layering after flowering, Division in spring
Pest resistance: Slugs, Aphids
Disease resistance: Powdery mildews, Rust, Virus, Fusarium wilt

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Dianthus deltoides?

Dianthus deltoides prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Dianthus deltoides need?

Dianthus deltoides is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.