Dianthus deltoides, the maiden pink, is a species of Dianthus native to most of Europe and western Asia. It can also be found in many parts of North America, where it is an introduced species. It is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 45 centimeters tall. It has very narrow green or glaucous leaves forming a loosely tufted plant.
Prune back the dianthus in fall, when the plants begin to die back naturally. Trim or pinch back overgrown and leggy stems at any time during the summer growing season to maintain the shape of the plant. Make the cuts near a leaf bud on the stem to encourage branching.
