How to identify Deptford pink (Dianthus armeria)

How to identify Deptford pink (Dianthus armeria)

Deptford pink features an array of vivid pink flowers, each adorned with a distinctive pattern of five petals, finely fringed at their edges. These blooms can reach up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter. The plant itself typically stands tall at around 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) in height. Its leaves are slender and lanceolate, organized in opposite pairs along the sturdy stem. The foliage exhibits a matte green coloration, providing a contrasting backdrop to the bright blossoms.

Lifespan: Annual, Biennial, Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Deptford pink

Vivid pink flowers with unique fringed petals, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide.

Slender, lanceolate leaves in opposite pairs, matte green color, 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) tall.

Deep pink flowers with white spots, spreading petals with jagged edges.

Elongated capsule fruit with round or kidney-shaped, bumpy textured seeds.

Stiff, erect stem with fine white hairs, slender branches, reaching up to 2 feet (60 cm).

Detailed Traits of Deptford pink

Leaf Features

The leaves of deptford pink are narrow, grasslike, and generally measure about 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) in length. They are slightly pubescent, providing a subtle, velvety texture. Arranged in pairs, each set of leaves wraps around the stem with a distinctive sheath at their base. The leaves are pale green to medium green in color, and feature a simple vein pattern that runs parallel along their length, enhancing their slender, elongated appearance.

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

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Flower Features

Deptford pink flowers feature a small, flat-topped cluster of deep pink blooms adorned with white spots. Each flower consists of five spreading petals, about 0.4 inches (1 cm) long, with distinct jagged edges. A thin bract is present at the base of the flower, and a tubular green calyx with five teeth encases the base. The flowers also showcase 10 stamens tipped with pink anthers and 2 slender styles. These flowers typically bloom in the summer.

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Stem Features

The stem of deptford pink is characterized by its stiff, erect nature and slender branches. This stem exhibits patches of fine white hairs located beneath each opposite pair of leaves. Its texture is somewhat bristly due to these hairs. Medium to dark green in color, the stem can reach heights of approximately 2 feet (60 cm). The presence of these fine white hairs and the specific branching pattern are distinctive features for identifying this plant.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of deptford pink is an elongated capsule that matures to release numerous small seeds. These seeds exhibit a unique shape, being either round (orbicular) or kidney-shaped (reniform) and are distinctly flattened. The surface of each seed is peppered with small bumps, giving them a textured appearance. While the description does not specify color, such seeds are often brown or tan. Sizes and precise coloration can vary, but the structural features like the shape and bumpy texture of the seeds are consistent indicators of the fruit of deptford pink.

Fruit Type

Capsule

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Deptford pink and Their Similar Plants

Carnation vs. Deptford pink: What's The Difference?

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) is a herbaceous ornamental perennial known for its fragrant, distinctive flowers. Wild varieties of this species can be found in the Mediterranean. Carnation has rich symbolism, both in the traditional and religious sense. Its symbolic representations can be found in numerous cultures, from North America to the far East.

Sweet william vs. Deptford pink: What's The Difference?

There are two thoughts on the origin of the sweet william name. The first is that it was named after the Duke of Cumberland, William Augustus. The second is that the name came from the writings of Thomas Tusser, an English poet. In either case, this old-fashioned garden plant (Dianthus barbatus) is a lovely addition to any space.

Chinese pink vs. Deptford pink: What's The Difference?

Chinese pink (Dianthus chinensis) is a perennial flowering herb native to China, Russia, and Mongolia. In the wild, chinese pink grows in dense woodlands and forests. In cultivation, it is a common ornamental plant grow in hanging baskets and planters.

Cheddar pink vs. Deptford pink: What's The Difference?

The showy pink flowers of the cheddar pink or Dianthus gratianopolitanus are attractive to butterflies. These pretty pinks are deer resistant, tolerant of high humidity, and drought tolerant. This low-growing perennial will thrive in both flowerbeds and container gardens as long as it has part sun to full sun with a moderate amount of moisture.

Garden pink vs. Deptford pink: What's The Difference?

Garden pink (Dianthus plumarius) is a compact evergreen perennial that can grow to be 15 to 61 cm tall. It blooms in spring with pink, red or white fragrant flowers. Garden pink blossoms have a wheel-like shape and a long blooming season. This species grows best in full sunlight. It attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. This species has toxic seeds and can be a skin irritant for people and pets.

Maiden pink vs. Deptford pink: What's The Difference?

Maiden pink (Dianthus deltoides) is a flowering perennial herb native to Europe and Western Asia. In the wild, maiden pink grows on rocky ground and in grasslands. It is often cultivated as an ornamental plant for its colorful flowers.

Grass rose pink vs. Deptford pink: What's The Difference?

Grass rose pink is known and loved for its vibrant pink, aromatic flowers. It's a popular choice amongst gardeners and is cultivated for commercial sale. Pavonius within the plant's Latin name (meaning 'like a peacock') and the plant's common name, Peacock-eye pink, were given for the flowers which have a dark central circle.

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Key Facts About Deptford pink

Attributes of Deptford pink

Spread

25 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Pink

White

Purple

Fruit Color

Brown

Black

Copper

Stem Color

Green

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Deptford pink

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Pinks, cacti, and allies

Family

Pink

Genus

Dianthus

Species

Deptford pink (Dianthus armeria)

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Distribution Map of Deptford pink

Deptford pink is native to temperate regions across Europe and parts of Asia. Its range extends from southern Europe to northern areas of the continent and into the western Asian territories. Introduced and cultivated in various parts of the Northern Hemisphere, deptford pink has established itself in regions across North America, South America, as well as in Australasia, adapting to diverse climates outside its native distribution.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Deptford pink

A Comprehensive Guide to Deptford pink How to Grow and Care for Deptford pink