Dianthus deltoides

Dianthus deltoides, also known as the delta carnation, prostrate carnation, or glaucous carnation, is a perennial plant that forms a small evergreen cushion, persisting in winter. It produces a multitude of flowers in summer. Its small bright pink flowers with fringed petals bring life to rockeries, the tops of walls, and sunny borders. Hardy, fast-growing, and undemanding, it adapts to any well-drained soil, even if poor and fairly dry.

It belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is a botanical species native to Europe, India, and temperate Asia, where it grows in fairly dry areas, in heathlands, high-altitude meadows, hills, and mountains. Its growth rate is fast. Its adult size will not exceed 15cm (6in) in height with a spread of 30cm (12in) or more. This carnation forms a small prostrate clump with a spreading habit. Its linear, medium green leaves are sometimes tinged with violet. They are flexible and arranged tightly on slender stems. They remain decorative in winter. Flowering begins in June and continues constantly until September if the soil is not too dry. The plant is then covered with small bright pink flowers with 5 fringed petals at the top of generally uniflorous stems. The flowers are pleasantly scented.

Plant this small carnation in an open location, on an embankment or in a rockery, where it can spread in the sun. It will also be charming at the top of a dry-stone wall. This plant can also fill the base of bushes grown in large pots, and decorate large containers or alpine troughs. Its companions can be alpine and mountain plants, such as alyssum, soapworts, aubrietas, or rock roses.