Arctic Fire Delta Eye - Dianthus deltoides seeds

The Dianthus deltoïdes Arctic Fire, also known as Arctic Fire delta carnation or Arctic Fire reclining carnation, forms a small evergreen and spreading cushion that is very floriferous, with single white flowers with fringed petals, animated by an intense red eye encircling a pink heart. This fast-growing perennial combines solidity, frugality, and floribundity. Drought-resistant, it is ideal for rockeries and walls, in full sun. Sown very early, under cold frames, it can flower in the first year. It should be grown in well-drained, even poor soil, and in full sun.

The Arctic Fire delta carnation belongs to the caryophyllaceae family. It is a cultivar derived from Dianthus deltoïdes native to Europe and temperate Asia, where it grows in dry areas, heathlands or hills, edges of woodlands, on poor lawns. The growth of this carnation is rapid. Its adult size will not exceed 20 cm (7.9 in) in height, in flowers, with a spread of 20 cm (7.9 in) and more. This carnation forms a small prostrate clump with a spreading habit. Its linear, bright green leaves are evergreen and flexible, tightly arranged on slender stems. Flowering begins in May and June, continuing until August if the soil is not too dry. The plant is then covered continuously with small white-pink fringed flowers, enhanced by a pink heart encircled by a vivid and intense red halo. They are pleasantly scented, at the top of generally uniflorous stems.

Plant the Arctic Fire delta carnation in an open location, on a slope, where it can spread in the sun. It will be magnificent in a rockery, on the slope of a well-drained embankment, or at the top of a dry stone wall. This plant can fill the base of bushes in large pots, decorate large containers or alpine troughs. Before planting, in heavy or clayey soils, add a few shovelfuls of gravel and coarse sand to facilitate water drainage. The œillet deltoïde pairs well with alpine or montane plants such as alyssums, soapworts, creeping phlox (P.subulata and P.douglasii), aubrietas, candytufts, and sunroses.

The generic name comes from the Greek 'dios' for 'Jupiter or divine' and 'anthos' for 'flower'. These dianthus, or 'divine flowers', were named as such by Theophrastus due to their sweet fragrance and beauty. Deltoides refers to 'delta', the Greek letter, in relation to the shape of the petals.