The maiden pink, also known as Dianthus deltoides, is a low, abundantly blooming perennial that graces your garden or wildflower meadow with vivid pink to carmine-red flowers. This native species occurs naturally on lean grasslands, slopes and sandy soils.
With its compact growth and long-lasting bloom, the maiden pink is a perfect ground cover that is also attractive to bees, butterflies and other insects. A low-maintenance plant with ornamental value and ecological added value.
For what purposes can I use the maiden pink?
The maiden pink is pre-eminently suitable for dry, lean gardens, wildflower meadows, green roofs, rock gardens and gravel gardens or as low border planting in beds. Thanks to its creeping growth habit, it quickly covers the ground with a dense, green mat full of flowers. Ideal for spots where little maintenance is desired. Combine it with species such as sand catchfly, mouse-ear chickweed or meadow cranesbill for a naturally looking, flowering planting that attracts insects and provides structure.
What are the characteristics of the maiden pink?
Native, perennial plant
Contains beautiful vivid pink/red flowers
Ideal as ground cover
Very suitable for lean, dry soils
Attractive to important pollinators
How do I sow maiden pink?
Sow maiden pink in spring, from March through May. Choose a sunny, dry spot with a nutrient-poor soil. Sow directly in open ground and make sure to lightly cover the seed with soil. Note: make sure that a little light can still reach the seeds.
Keep the soil slightly moist for the first weeks after sowing. The germination period is between 10 and 21 days, depending on temperature and soil moisture. For a natural result you can use about 1 gram per 1–2 m².
How do I maintain maiden pink?
Maiden pink is a plant that asks little of you. Mowing once a year is sufficient, preferably after flowering in September. Remove mowings to preserve soil impoverishment. Due to its perennial and ground-covering character, the plant comes back every year and can even spread via runners or seed. An ideal choice for those looking for colour and structure without fuss!
