grass shears, or simply use hedge
shears for pruning. Pruned branches
are easily cleaned up with a shrub rake.
You may get a sporadic flower or two
after shearing, although nothing of
significance. Maiden pinks can seed to
a nuisance level and take over nonag-
gressive perennials. This can be used
to an advantage if planted between
lightly traveled stepping stones, in sun
or part shade, where the seeding can
create a mosslike effect. The plants
love the sandy and well-draining
conditions that nonmortared stone
walks provide. Also, plants may be
short-lived, so some seeding can be
desirable to ensure constancy in the
garden. This species has nice ever-
green foliage that adds to the winter
garden, so do not cut back in the
autumn.
other maintenance Prefers
well-draining, alkaline soil. Tolerates
drought. Will spread rapidly under
ideal conditions, but is often
short-lived, rotting in high-moisture
situations. Divide every 2–3 years in
the spring.
Dianthus
gratianopolitanus
cheddar pink
c aryophyllaceae
Pink flowers; blue-green leaves
12–15 in. (6 in.) high; 12–15 in. wide
Full sun
Blooms June–July
Zones 3–9
pruning Cut or shear off old flower-
ing stems and about a third of thefoliage after flowering to enjoy the
beautiful and reliable blue-green
foliage for the rest of the year.
Although deadheading each old
flowering stalk before seed sets will
prolong bloom, it is a tedious job,
particularly on large plantings. I prefer
to take what flowers I can get, without
the extra deadheading, and just enjoy
the foliage after a quick shearing.
Shearing plants with hedge shears and
shaping by cleaning up any shaggy
edges creates especially nice results;
plantings are easily cleaned up of
pruned branches with a shrub rake.
Plants fill in within a week, forming a
dense groundcover, and they look
great the rest of the season, including
into the winter. May require minimal
cleanup in the spring.Dianthus deltoidesDianthus gratianopolitanus
‘Feuerhexe’ Firewitch