Dianthus deltoides Brilliant has bright reddish-fuchsia blooms that hover above dense, prostrate spreading mats of dark green to bronze evergreen foliage. Each of the 5 flower petals have serrated edges, looking as if they have been trimmed with pinking shears, hence the common name ‘Pinks’. If deadheaded, this species will flower heaviest in early summer and again in fall. Maiden Pinks are named for their habit of partially closing their petals at dusk, like a shy maiden would.

In the cooler seasons, the leaves of this cultivar tend to take on purplish-red tones, and then revert back to green in spring.

A Northern Sunset Perennial. It prefers average, well-drained soil in full sun.

Image courtesy of Jelitto Staudensamen GmbH