Culture
Easily grown in average, dry, well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers fertile, alkaline, somewhat gritty loams with good drainage. Plants tend to die out in the center if drainage is not superior. Division and/or reseeding may be necessary every 2-3 years. Prompt removal of spent flowers may prolong bloom period, but is quite labor intensive. For larger plantings, it is perhaps more practical to simply shear off spent flowers after bloom. Shearing plants after bloom but before seed sets will prevent any unwanted self-seeding, will trim the foliage and may promote a possible sparse rebloom in fall. Plants are easily grown from seed and may self-seed in optimum growing conditions.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Dianthus deltoides, commonly called maiden pink, is an evergreen perennial that typically forms loose spreading mats of foliage to 4-6” tall and to 24” wide. Narrow, linear to lance-shaped leaves. Heavily fringed, slightly fragrant, single flowers (to 3/4” diameter) appear on branched flowering stems (8-12” tall) in late spring, covering the foliage mound with brightly colored bloom. Species flowers are usually deep pink with a dark, pale spotted band at the base of the petals. Evergreen foliage remains attractive year-round, as long as soils are given consistent moisture during the growing season.
Genus name comes from the Greek words dios meaning divine and anthos meaning flower.
Specific epithet means triangular.
“Pink” in the common name is in reference to the fringed petals that typically look as if they were cut with pinking shears.
'Albus' is a clump forming, white flowering cultivar with a long bloom period that can last from late spring through early fall. Individual plants can reach 8" tall with an 18" spread, and when planted in a mass can make an excellent ground cover. The pure white petals have feathered edges which contrast well against the deep green foliage. Easy to propagate from seed or division. Tolerant of some drought once established. Attractive to butterflies and other insect pollinators.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Leaf spot can be troublesome in humid summers, particularly where plants are crowded. Crown rot may attack plants grown in moist to wet, poorly drained soils.
Uses
Rock gardens, border fronts, edgings and containers. Evergreen foliage can serve as an attractive ground cover year-round.