Dianthus deltoides Arctic Fire

Dianthus deltoides 'Arctic Fire' is a lovely variety of bush carnation with single white flowers with red eyes and fringed petals. This dwarf carnation forms a small, evergreen, and flowering cushion throughout summer. It is a fast-growing perennial that combines strength, frugality, and generosity. Drought-resistant, it is ideal for rockeries and walls, even in poor soil.

The 'Arctic Fire' delta carnation belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is a cultivar derived from Dianthus deltoides, a botanical species native to Europe and temperate Asia. In nature, this carnation grows in dry areas, heathlands, or hillsides, on the edge of woodlands or on poor lawns. Its growth rate is rapid. Its mature size will not exceed 20cm (8in) in height with a spread of 20cm (8in) or more. It forms a small prostrate cushion with a creeping habit. Its linear, bright green leaves are flexible and packed on slender stems. They persist in winter. Flowering begins in May-June and continues until August-September if the soil is not too dry. The plant is then covered continuously with small white flowers with fringed petals, enhanced by a pink heart surrounded by a bright and intense red halo. They are pleasantly fragrant and usually borne in single-flower heads.

Plant the 'Arctic Fire' delta carnation in an open position where it can spread in the sun. It will look magnificent in a rockery, on a well-drained embankment, or at the top of a dry-stone wall. This plant can also be used to fill the base of young plants in large pots, or to decorate large containers or alpine troughs. In heavy or clayey soils, add a few shovelfuls of gravel and coarse sand to facilitate water drainage. It pairs well with alpine or mountain plants, such as alyssums, aubrietas, or rockroses.

The genus 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, because of the shape of the petals.