Dianthus deltoides Demoiselle Rose Seeds

Dianthus deltoides 'Demoiselle Rose' forms a small, evergreen mound covered with abundant blooms from June to September. The tiny single flowers are bright pink with fringed petals, surrounding an intense reddish pink eye. This fast-growing perennial combines sturdiness and frugality whilst producing masses of flowers. It is resistant to drought and tolerant of poor soil, making it ideal for growing in rock gardens and above low retaining walls. When sown early enough, it flowers in its first year. Grow in full sun, in well-drained soil.

Dianthus deltoides or Maiden Pink belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is native to Europe and temperate Asia where it grows on dry slopes, moorlands, forest margins and poor, stony meadows. It is fast-growing, reaching a mature height of about 20 cm (in full bloom) for a spread of 20 cm or more. It forms a small, spreading mound of linear, bright green evergreen leaves, tightly gathered on slender stems. Flowering starts in June and lasts until September if the soil is not too dry. 'Demoiselle Rose' features small, bright pink scented flowers with fringed petals, decorated with a bright reddish pink eye.

Maiden Pinks are perfect for stony slopes or rock gardens where they happily spread out in the sunlight. They look very pretty over dry-stone walls and are useful for underplanting shrubs, in large pots, containers or troughs. Amend heavy or clay-based soils with gravel and coarse sand to improve drainage. Dianthus deltoides goes very well with alpine plants such as alyssums, saponaria, Phlox subulata or Phlox douglasii, rock cress, candytuft and helianthemums.