Dianthus deltoides Brilliant

Dianthus deltoides 'Brilliant', also known as the delta pink or heath pink, forms a carpet-like clump that covers the ground well and persists through winter. The small, narrow leaves are covered with bright red flowers from late spring to summer. They adorn vibrant green foliage that is sometimes tinged with bronze. This hardy and drought-tolerant perennial is ideal for rockeries or the tops of walls, in full sun.

'Brilliant' belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is a cultivar derived from Dianthus deltoides, native to Europe and temperate Asia, growing in dry areas such as heathlands or hills. This pink's growth is fast, quicly forming dense cushions that lie almost flat on the ground. Its adult size will not exceed 15cm (6in) in height with a spread of 30cm (12in) or more. This pink forms a small prostrate clump with a creeping habit. Its linear, narrow leaves are vibrant green and sometimes tinged with bronze. They are evergreen and flexible, tightly packed on slender stems. Flowering begins in May and June, continuing until August if the soil is not too dry. The plant will be covered in small, flat, scarlet red flowers with fringed petals. The flowers are pleasantly scented, and appear at the top of generally uniflorous stems. The plant tends to self-seed spontaneously in light soil.

Plant 'Brilliant' in an open location where it can spread in the sun. It will be magnificent in a rockery, on a well-drained embankment, or at the top of a dry-stone wall. This plant can also fill the base of bushes in large pots, and decorate large containers or alpine troughs. Its companions can be alpines and mountain plants such as alyssums, soapworts, aubrietas, and sunroses.