Dianthus is a genus of about 300 species of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae, native mainly to Europe and Asia, with a few species in North Africa and in Southern Africa, and one species in arctic North America. Common names include Carnation, Pink and Sweet William. The species are mostly herbaceous perennials, a few are annual or biennial, and some are low sub-shrubs with woody basal stems. The leaves are opposite, simple, mostly linear and often strongly glaucous grey green to blue green. The flowers have five petals, typically with a frilled or pinked margin, and are mostly pale to dark pink. One species, Dianthus knappii, has yellow flowers with a purple centre. Some species, particularly the perennial pinks, are noted for their strong aromatic fragrance often attracting butterflies to the garden.

Dianthus deltoides or Maiden Pink is a striking perennial that grows from 15 to 45 cm in height, should be spaced 20 to 30 cm apart in full sun. You would be forgiven if you thought that pink refers to the colour. While it is true that these flowers are usually pink, the name refers to the petals of the flower which look as if they were cut with pinking shears! This plant thrives in many different soils, requires little attention and seems to do very well even when abused! It can be divided and spread out easily and makes a great border flower!