Peacock-eye Pink Dianthus pavonius

Peacock-eye Pink is a small evergreen, herbaceous perennial that forms dense, grass-like mats 4 to 6 inch high and up to 12 inches wide. The plant has dark blue-green leaves and fragrant, single-toothed, bearded pink flowers that are buff colored on the reverse of the petals. Flowers bloom late April into June. It is native to sunny grasslands and rocky slopes in the Alps and Pyrenees up to 9,500’ in elevation.  Plant it in a border front or use it in a rock or crevice garden. The genus name comes from the Greek words dios meaning divine and anthos meaning flower. The species name comes from the Latin pavo which means like a peacock. Many of the plants in the genus Dianthus are commonly called pinks in reference to fringed flower petals that look as if they had been cut with pinking shears.

Peacock-eye Pink does best in average, evenly moist, well-drained soils in full sun and prefers organically rich, neutral to slightly alkaline, gritty loams. Good drainage is key and incorporating organic material into the soil can retain moisture in hot summer climates. The plant tolerates drought conditions once established and prompt removal of spent flowers can prolong the bloom period.

Diseases, Insect Pests, Other Plant Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. However, it is susceptible to rust and attack by aphids and slugs.