Dianthus deltoides Seeds | Maiden Pink
LATIN NAME: Dianthus deltoides
COMMON NAME: Maiden Pink
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Maiden Pink (Dianthus deltoides) is a perennial in the pink family. It spreads quickly into a neat, evergreen mat, and it stands cold winters, drought and poor, sandy soils well. Give it full sun and deep, fertile ground. Through the flowering season it keeps visiting bees well supplied. Add these qualities together and you have a species well worth a place in the garden.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the pink family, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. Maiden pink has a real and distinguished place in the research. A long cultivation history means growers know what to expect from it.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Maiden Pink has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Ecologically, maiden pink is a generous plant of the garden. Its many small, bright-pink, deeply fringed flowers feed bees and many insects, and its fine, low, mat-forming growth gives a neat, evergreen cover to rock garden and the border. It is a plant of cheerful, dependable kind. Mature plants need little attention in a well-chosen position.
Pinks and carnations are cutting-flower royalty; in Chinese medicine the related Qu Mai is a classical diuretic herb, and the petals of scented types are a traditional edible garnish.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Maiden Pink, and the process is uncomplicated. Sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly into a loose, well-drained seed compost, water in gently, and keep the sowing in full sun with steady moisture. Shift the seedlings into small pots as soon as they can be handled, and give them bright light until planting-out time.
Our Take
Maiden Pink is the kind of plant that rewards a permanent spot. Give the seed freshness and steady moisture, and nature handles the rest.
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