Deptford Pink

Dianthus armeria

Native to:
Albania, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Krym, Netherlands, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Ukraine

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Caryophyllaceae
Genus:
Dianthus
Species:
Dianthus armeria
USDA Symbol:
DIAR

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual | Biennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
pink, red

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Butterflies:Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Thrives in open, sunny areas with poor soil fertility.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Surface sow or barely cover seeds; germinates readily at 65-70°F without stratification.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires light / surface sow (fine seed).

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society