How to identify Maiden pink (Dianthus deltoides)

How to identify Maiden pink (Dianthus deltoides)

Maiden pink, also known as Lady's cushion

Maiden pink is characterized by its brilliant pink to crimson flowers, about 0.75 inches (2 cm) across, each consisting of five broadly notched petals. The foliage forms a low, dense mat with leaves that are narrow, lance-shaped, and exhibiting a unique triangular appearance. Blooms are held aloft on slender stalks measuring up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall. This perennial's compact growth habit and bright blossoms make it easily distinguishable.

Lifespan: Perennial, Annual, Biennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Evergreen, Deciduous

Quickly Identify Maiden pink

Brilliant pink to crimson flowers, 0.75 inches (2 cm) across, with five broadly notched petals.

Distinctive lance-shaped leaves forming a low, dense mat with a unique triangular appearance.

Long-stalked 5-petaled flowers in bright pink to lavender, with a dark ring near the center.

Capsules with dry texture and dehiscent seams, neutrally toned, small with numerous minute seeds.

Short, narrow grayish leaves, 0.4 to 1 inch (1 to 2.5 cm) in length with a waxy texture.

Detailed Traits of Maiden pink

Leaf Features

The leaves of maiden pink are short and narrow, often measuring between 0.4 to 1 inch (1 to 2.5 cm) in length. They are grayish in color with a waxy texture and a somewhat hairy surface. The leaves are arranged in a loosely tufted manner on prostrate shoots. Their linear shape, coupled with a noticeable central vein, helps in identification. The leaves' overall waxy feel and compact arrangement provide a distinct appearance.

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Flower Features

Maiden pink features striking 5-petaled flowers that range in color from bright pink, reddish-purple, and lavender to occasionally white. The flowers are long-stalked, with each petal being broad and notched at the tip. A distinctive dark ring near the center adds to their unique appearance. They usually measure around 0.5-0.8 inches (1.3-2 cm) in diameter. The flowers typically bloom from late spring to early summer, offering a subtle but pleasant fragrance.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of maiden pink is a capsule that, upon reaching maturity, exhibits a dry texture and undergoes dehiscence along natural seams, releasing its contents. Typically, it takes on a neutrally toned hue, corresponding to browns and tans associated with ripened seed capsules. The shape is inconspicuous and lacks ornamental flamboyance, serving primarily as a seed dispersal mechanism. The precise dimensions of the capsule can vary, but it remains small to the touch, aligning with the modest size of the plant itself. Essential for the propagation of maiden pink, each capsule harbors numerous minute seeds that await dispersal for the continuation of the species.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Maiden pink and Their Similar Plants

Carnation vs. Maiden 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. Maiden 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. Maiden 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. Maiden 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. Maiden 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.

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

Deptford pink (Dianthus armeria) is an annual wildflower that grows from 30 to 76 cm tall. It is commonly found growing in disturbed areas and pastures and along roadsides, railroad tracks and woodland edges. It blooms small, yet showy, clusters of pink flowers. The flower's nectar attracts butterflies, skippers, bees and flies. The name refers to an area in England where the plant was once common.

Grass rose pink vs. Maiden 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 Maiden pink

Attributes of Maiden pink

Lifespan

Perennial, Annual, Biennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

45 cm

Spread

15 cm to 60 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Gray

Flower Size

1.5 cm to 2 cm

Flower Color

Pink

Red

White

Purple

Fruit Color

Black

Stem Color

Green

Silver

Leaf type

Evergreen, Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Maiden pink

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Pinks, cacti, and allies

Family

Pink

Genus

Dianthus

Species

Maiden pink (Dianthus deltoides)

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Distribution Map of Maiden pink

Maiden pink is a plant species originally native to the temperate zones of Europe and Asia. It has since spread, either through natural extension or human cultivation, to other regions such as Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Maiden pink has also been introduced and is cultivated in areas of the Southern Hemisphere, marking its presence on multiple continents.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Maiden pink

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