Dianthus deltoides Flashing Light

Dianthus deltoides 'Flashing Light', also known as Maiden Pinks, forms a small, evergreen and spreading cushion with abundant scarlet flowers that are intensely bright and have fringed petals, displaying a darker eye. This perennial plant combines hardiness, an undemanding nature, and many flowers. Drought-resistant, it is ideal for rockeries and walls, in full sun.

The Dianthus 'Flashing Light' belongs to the family of Caryophyllaceae. It is a cultivar derived from Dianthus deltoides native to Europe and temperate Asia, where it grows in dry areas, heathlands or hills, woodland edges, and poor meadows. This Dianthus's growth is rapid. Its mature size will not exceed 15 cm (6in) in height with a spread of 30 cm (12in) or more. It forms a small prostrate clump with a spreading habit. Its linear leaves, medium green sometimes tinged with violet, are evergreen and tightly packed on slender stems. The flowering starts in May and June, lasting until August if the soil is not too dry. The plant is continuously covered with small red flowers with fringed petals, pleasantly scented, at the top of usually single flowering stems.

Place Dianthus deltoides 'Flashing Light' in an open location, on a slope, where it can spread in the sun. It will be magnificent in a rockery, on the slope of a well-drained bank, or at the top of a dry stone wall. This plant can be used around the base of shrubs in containers or in alpine troughs. Before planting in heavy or clay soils, add some shovelfuls of gravel and coarse sand to help water drainage. The Maiden Pinks goes well with alpine plants such as alyssum, soapworts, creeping phlox (P.subulata and P.douglasii), aubrietas, candytufts, and sun roses.

The generic 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 because of their sweet fragrance and beauty.