Maiden pink (Dianthus deltoides) is a flowering perennial herb native to Europe and Western Asia. In the wild, maiden pink grows on rocky ground and in grasslands. It is often cultivated as an ornamental plant for its colorful flowers.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Dianthus deltoides, the maiden pink, is a species of Dianthus native to most of Europe and western Asia. It can also be found in many parts of North America, where it is an introduced species.
It is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 45 centimeters (18 in) tall. It has very narrow green or glaucous leaves forming a loosely tufted plant. The flowers are 15–20 millimeters across and usually pink, but they may be white and are often spotted white. It has an epicalyx of bracteoles, meaning it has a group of specialized leaves at the base of the flower. The calyx tube itself is not scarious (papery and membranous) at the joints between the lobes.
It is a plant of often calcareous (chalky) grassland but may also be found on rocky ground and occasionally on old mine spoil. It has been observed to hybridize with introduced Dianthus barbatus, when native.
It is widely used in horticulture with many cultivars such as ‘Zing Rose’, sold as garden ornamental plants with flowers in a range of pink colors and sometimes darker green foliage. In the UK it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Maiden pink prefers to be planted in either full or partial sun, where it can enjoy at least 6 hours of sunshine each day. They will never flourish to their best ability in shaded areas of the garden.
Temperature
With species native to Europe, Asia, North Africa, and even the arctic regions of North America, it is easy to see why the maiden pink has become a favorite hardy plant variety. Species such as the ‘northern pink’ are even ideal for colder climates. Therefore, it is no surprise that most gardeners will be able to find a maiden pink to suit their climate thanks to their adaptability.
Watering
Maiden pink is drought tolerant and not flood tolerant, so care needs to be taken to avoid waterlogged soil or watering too often, or it will easily lead to root rot. When the plant’s soil feels dry to the touch, add water to the soil until it is totally wet. During winter maiden pink grows slowly, and watering can be reduced accordingly. Water once every 3-4 weeks until growth returns in the spring.
Soil
Maiden pink prefers to be planted in well-drained, fertile soil. A neutral to alkaline pH soil such as chalk or loam is best for growing. The plant’s tolerance against drought makes it popular amongst beginner gardeners, as it can survive with minimal effort or strict watering regime.
However, it will not flourish under poor drainage. For this reason, it’s best to add extra drainage in the form of horticultural grit or sand to your soil if you are gardening in an area with heavy clay soil or where the water table is particularly high and the soil is likely to become wet and compacted during the winter months.
Fertilizing
To give maiden pink a strong root system and lush foliage, a diluted organic water-soluble fertilizer can be applied every half month during the season other than winter. An additional application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer can be made before flowering to promote it to produce more beautiful flowers.
Planting Instructions
Growing maiden pink is fun and easy. If you decide to grow it from seed, you can do so indoors to ensure it blooms early in the season. Kept at an ideal temperature of 16 to 21 ℃, maiden pink seeds should germinate after 10 days. Once they emerge, they should be placed in a sunny location and allowed to grow 8 to 10 cm before transplanting into larger pots.
Before planting outdoors, ensure your seedlings are hardened off for up to one week by placing the pots in a sheltered outdoor location. Alternatively, you can also sow maiden pink seeds directly in the garden once there is no risk of frost. If you choose to grow maiden pink as young plugs or established plants, you can plant them directly in the garden. Maiden pink prefers well-drained soil, so to avoid water collecting around the plant base, do not plant them too deep.
Whether you choose to grow maiden pink from seed or as young plants, ensure you position them with enough room to grow. There should be no need to mulch around the plants, but an initial generous watering is required.
Pruning
Deadheading maiden pink is the ideal way to prolong the flowering season, saving nutrients for new blooms. This should be done regularly once flowers are wilt. Most varieties respond well to a good pruning after flowering. This encourages new growth and possibly a second bloom later in the season.
Propagation
For anyone planning to multiply their collection, perennial varieties can easily be divided. Alternatively, maiden pink can also be propagated via tip cuttings or layering.
Transplanting
Maiden pink thrives best when transplanted from early to late spring or mid to late fall. Opt for a sunny, well-drained location with fertile soil. A friendly tip: lightly water the plant before transplanting to ease the process.
Overwintering
During the winter season when the ground freezes, maiden pink may benefit from a light mulch at the base. Rotted down organic material such as leaf mold or wood chippings can be used for this.
Pests and Diseases
Pests attracted to dianthus include aphids, grasshoppers, slugs, snails, and sow bugs.
Overwatering and inadequate air circulation can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases in dianthus. One such disease is rust, which causes orange, gold, or brown-red spots on leaves; fortunately, this is mostly a cosmetic concern that can be resolved by establishing healthy growing conditions.
III. Uses and Benefits
Maiden pink is a versatile evergreen perfect for rockeries, wall cover, or edging for borders and beds. It’s prized for its free-flowering habit and mounds of green foliage studded with petite blooms during the late spring and summer. It can also successfully resist wildlife such as deers.
Find Where to Buy the Best Maiden Pink (Dianthus deltoides)
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