Go Back Dianthus Arctic Fire

Posted: May 7, 2019 at 4:01 PM
Dianthus deltoides 'Arctic Fire'
    Butterfly IconDeer Resistant IconRock Garden IconHummingbird Icon

    Plant Type: Perennials

    Smaller, icy white blooms with a sharply contrasting, bright fuchsia ring around the medium pink eye zone light up their surroundings. 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. These bright flowers are set against a background of dark green foliage which forms a prostrate spreading mat that makes a good ground cover. In the cooler seasons, the leaves tend to take on purplish-red tones, and then revert back to green in spring. D. deltoides is one of the most aggressive Dianthus species, and if allowed to form seed, it will self-sow freely.

    Currently not available for online purchase.

    Growing & Maintenance Tips:

    Dianthus grow best in loose, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Lime can be added to the soil if it is naturally acidic to raise the pH. Dianthus can be grown in full sun or part shade, but the foliage will not be as lush and fewer flowers will be produced if it is grown in hot, dry areas. Regular watering during prolonged dry spells will be necessary. However, they are tolerant of short periods of dryness. Do a thorough clean-up in the fall to prevent pest and disease problems, and add a layer of mulch to protect the evergreen foliage.

    Flower Color

    White with fuchsia ring and pink eye zone

    Foliage Color

    Dark green

    Plant Spread

    12-15 in.

    Good Companions

    Coral Bells (Heuchera ), Flax (Linum perenne), Geranium-Hardy (Geranium ), Grass-Ornamental (Festuca glauca), Hen & Chicks (Sempervivum ), Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina), Rock Soapwort (Saponaria ocymoides), Speedwell (Veronica spicata), Stonecrop (Sedum ), Strawberry-Ornamental (Fragaria )

    Plant Height

    8 in.

    Scape Height

    —

    Hardness Zone

    3-9

    Soil Moisture

    Low to average water needs

    Characteristics & Attributes

    Attributes

    Evergreen, Dried flower, Container, Ground cover, Drought tolerant, Cut flower or foliage, Salt tolerant, Border

    Bloom Time

    Early summer/Fall

    Critter Resistance

    Deer resistant

    Exposure

    Full sun to part shade

    Growth Rate

    Medium

    Seasonal Interests

    —