About Dianthus deltoides L.
Dianthus deltoides, commonly called maiden pink, is a Dianthus species native to most of Europe and western Asia. It is also an introduced species present across many parts of North America. This herbaceous perennial plant grows up to 45 centimeters (18 inches) in height. It produces very narrow green or glaucous leaves that form a loosely tufted growth habit. Its flowers measure 15 to 20 millimeters across; they are most often pink, but may also be white, and are frequently marked with white spots. This species has an epicalyx of bracteoles: a cluster of specialized specialized leaves located at the base of the flower. The calyx tube itself is not scarious — that is, not papery and membranous — at the joints between its lobes. Maiden pink most often grows in calcareous, or chalky, grassland, but it can also be found on rocky ground, and occasionally grows on old mine spoil. When it is growing in its native range, it has been observed to hybridize with the introduced species Dianthus barbatus. It is widely used in horticulture, and many cultivars (including 'Zing Rose') are sold as garden ornamental plants. These cultivars produce flowers in a range of pink shades, and sometimes have darker green foliage. In the United Kingdom, Dianthus deltoides has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
