Dianthus armeria aka Deptford Pink

Dianthus armeria, or Deptford pink, belongs to the pink family. Its native range spans Europe to northern Iran. It is native to Britain and Ireland. Garden escapes now grow across much of the United States. They occur in old fields, roadsides, and grassy pastures. The plant grows as an annual or biennial. It reaches full size within one to two years.

Garden plants reach about 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres] tall and wide. Green leaves form a rosette at the base. Narrow leaves grow in pairs along the upright stems. Each pair clasps the stem with a sheath. The leaves feel soft and bear fine hairs. Small patches of white hairs sit below the leaf pairs. The stiff green stems have slender branches and no scent.

Small pink flowers form clusters above the leaves. Each flower has five spreading petals with toothed edges. White dots mark the deep pink petals. A green, tube-shaped calyx surrounds each flower's base. Unlike many garden pinks, the blooms have no scent. Chicago Botanic Garden lists flowering from May through October. Bees, small butterflies, and skippers visit for nectar. Yet the plant relies mainly on self-pollination. Long capsules follow the flowers and hold many seeds. The flattened seeds have rounded or kidney-shaped outlines and bumpy surfaces.

Grow Deptford pink in full sun with good drainage. It accepts neutral to alkaline soil and tolerates poor ground. Suitable soils include clay, loam, sand, and stony ground. It also tolerates some soil compaction and periods of drought. Wet, poorly drained ground does not suit it. RHS rates it H6 for UK hardiness. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 3–9. Sow seeds in early spring or late autumn. Remove spent flowers early, then let later seed ripen and fall.

This low-maintenance plant suits meadows, borders, and wildlife gardens. Its flowers also work as cut stems. It can spread by seed in disturbed ground. It competes less well among other broadleaf perennials on better sites. Deer and rabbits tend to leave it alone. Slugs and aphids may attack it. Possible diseases include mildew, rust, viral disease, and fusarium wilt. The leaves can cause mild skin irritation. Sources flag risks to people and pets, so wear gloves when handling. NC State lists saponins as the toxic compounds and notes vomiting. It also states that it has no reports of ingestion.