Maiden pink Dianthus deltoides
Maiden pink (Dianthus deltoides) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Caryophyllaceae family, native to Dry grassland across Europe and western Asia. It grows 10–25 cm (4–10 in) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
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Maiden pink at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Mature height | 10–25 cm (4–10 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: petals (garnish) |
| Native to | Dry grassland across Europe and western Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada |
Is Maiden pink toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves
Pinks can cause mild stomach upset and skin irritation in pets; the petals are eaten as a garnish.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Maiden pink
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Maiden pink
- How far apart should I plant Maiden pink?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does Maiden pink need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Maiden pink need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Maiden pink?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Maiden pink flower?
- From about June for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Maiden pink poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Pinks can cause mild stomach upset and skin irritation in pets; the petals are eaten as a garnish.
- What grows well with Maiden pink?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Maiden pink. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Wildflowers and meadows, Plantlife (UK)
Notes and assumptions
- A rock-garden plant: give it gritty, very free-draining soil, full light and a collar of gravel around the neck; winter wet kills it far more often than cold.
- A low mat of dark, grassy leaves starred all summer with small, toothed, cerise or white flowers with a darker ring. Self-seeds into paving and gravel; at home in a sunny meadow edge too.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Sweet William Dianthus barbatus
- Carnation Dianthus caryophyllus
- China pink Dianthus chinensis
- Snow-in-summer Cerastium tomentosum
- Moss campion Silene acaulis
- Soapwort (bouncing bet) Saponaria officinalis
- Rock soapwort Saponaria ocymoides
- Creeping baby’s breath Gypsophila repens