Dianthus deltoides 'Albus'
A low-growing mat of evergreen foliage topped with pure white flowers all summer long
Overview
Dianthus deltoides 'Albus', commonly known as White Maiden Pink, is a charming, easy-to-grow perennial that forms low mats of grassy foliage and is smothered in starry, pure white flowers throughout the summer. This compact variety of the native maiden pink is perfect for edging paths, front-of-border planting, rock gardens, or growing in between paving stones. Its long flowering season, drought tolerance, and neat habit make it a favourite for low-maintenance, sun-loving garden spots.
Flowering Period: May to July (with occasional repeat blooms into September)
Mature Size: 20cm tall
Spreading: 20cm wide
Growth Rate: Moderate; spreads gently to form tidy mats
Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of -20 degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H6)
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil
Aspect: Full sun preferred
Flowers
The standout feature of Dianthus deltoides 'Albus' is its profusion of small, single white flowers with finely fringed petals. Each bloom is around 2cm wide and held on wiry stems just above the foliage, creating a frothy carpet of soft white. The flowers are lightly fragrant and beloved by pollinators, especially bees and butterflies.
Foliage
The narrow, grass-like leaves are deep green and form a low, dense mat that remains evergreen in mild areas. This foliage provides a tidy appearance throughout the year and helps suppress weeds, making it an ideal groundcover in sunny borders and gravel gardens.
Growth Habit
Low-growing and spreading, this plant forms flat, mat-like clumps that gently spread via underground stems. It stays compact and won’t become invasive, making it perfect for neat edging or filling gaps in rockeries.
Soil Requirements
Thrives in well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of soil types, including chalky and sandy soils, but dislikes heavy or waterlogged ground. A neutral to slightly alkaline pH is ideal, though it is adaptable. In heavier soils, adding grit or planting on a slight slope can improve drainage.
Light Requirements
Prefers full sun to flower at its best. Will tolerate very light shade but may produce fewer flowers and become more open in growth. Choose a bright, open spot for optimal performance.
Watering Needs
Drought-tolerant once established. Water young plants regularly until settled, but avoid overwatering. In established plantings, watering is only needed during prolonged dry spells.
Planting
Best planted in spring or early autumn. Space plants 20–30cm apart to allow for spreading. Excellent for gravel gardens, rockeries, sunny borders, green roofs, or between paving stones where its neat habit and long flowering period shine.
Maintenance
Very low-maintenance. Deadheading encourages a longer flowering period and a tidier appearance. After flowering, lightly trim to keep the mound neat and to encourage fresh growth. Divide clumps every 2–3 years in spring to maintain vigour.
Feeding
Not heavy feeders. A light application of balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring is usually sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers which can encourage lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
Rock Gardens: Ideal for hot, dry crevices and stony soil
Pathway Edging: Softens hard lines and provides a flowering fringe
Gravel Gardens: A classic low-maintenance plant for dry, sunny spots
Borders: Suitable for front-of-border positions where its neat shape adds structure
Containers: Perfect for pots and troughs in sunny locations
Wildlife Gardens: Attracts bees and other pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers
Companion Planting
Pairs beautifully with other sun-loving, low-growing perennials such as Erigeron karvinskianus, Thymus serpyllum, Campanula portenschlagiana, and Sedum. Also contrasts nicely with the silver foliage of Stachys byzantina or Artemisia.
Potential Issues
Generally pest- and disease-free. Overwatering or poorly drained soil can lead to root rot. Keep the centre of older clumps open by dividing every few years to prevent dieback and keep plants vigorous.
Spring: Fresh evergreen foliage forms tidy mats
Summer: Long display of pure white flowers from early to late summer
Autumn: Foliage remains neat and evergreen into colder months
Winter: Ground-hugging foliage offers subtle texture year-round in milder areas
RHS Hardiness Rating: H6 (Hardy throughout the UK; tolerates temperatures below -20°C)
Temperature Tolerance: Very cold-hardy
Regional Notes: Thrives in all UK regions, particularly effective in dry, sunny southern or coastal gardens
Performance Notes: Performs best in open, sunny, free-draining sites
Dianthus deltoides 'Albus' is a dependable, easy-care perennial that delivers months of summer flower colour in even the driest parts of the garden. Its evergreen foliage, cheerful white blooms, and compact form make it a natural choice for gravel gardens, rockeries, edging, and containers. Hardy, low-maintenance, and pollinator-friendly – it’s the perfect choice for gardeners who want classic charm with minimal fuss.
Buying Alpines from Jacksons Nurseries
At Jacksons Nurseries we lightly trim back our alpines after flowering to ensure that the plants remain neat and tidy whilst in the pot. The more tender the plant the less we cut back to help protect exposed stems from winter frost. Depending on the plant variety we will then prune back further in spring once the risk of the more severe frosts is over.
As a result, depending on the time of year you buy alpines, they may not look like images showing their ‘prime time’ in flower and looking at their best.
Availability: Stock availability figures are provided as a guide only. There is a delay between orders being placed and the plants being gathered by our pulling team. During this time it may be possible for a member of the public to purchase these plants from our Garden Centre, while this is rare it is a possibility and we will notify you of any problems as soon as possible. This figure may also include plants that have not yet be flagged as unsaleable.
Pre-order: Pre-order times are given as a guide only and may vary dependent on the growing season. Orders containing Pre-ordered products will be shipped as a single order when all items become available. Large orders may be part shipped, please contact us on 01782 502741 or email
orders@jacksonsnurseries.co.uk.
From late autumn onwards and dependant on variety, there may be very little visible above the soil except for a few cut back dormant leaves or stems. It is perfectly normal for dormant plants to look like this from autumn onwards, they will however burst back into life in spring.
Alpines are a group of perennials that generally grow in rocky conditions at high altitudes.
As for all plants, soil preparation is time well spent. Dig over the area to be planted ensuring that the ground is free draining. If not then you may wish to either consider planting in a different spot or raising the level of the planting area by adding additional topsoil, well rotted garden compost and/or well rotted manure. Add ‘Fish, Blood and Bone’ fertiliser or a high potash fertiliser to encourage good root growth and development.
It’s always a good idea to plant a few of the same plant together, we recommend planting in 3’s or 5’s to provide a bold effect but allowing them plenty of room to develop.
By using this simple guide and a little time, alpines can make an absolutely spectacular difference to your garden.
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