Fauna
Flower

Garden Pink

Dianthus plumarius

Also known as Common Pink, Wild Pink, Feathered Pink, Cottage Pink

Garden pinks form dense, cushion-like mats of slender blue-grey foliage that remain attractive even when out of bloom. In late spring and early summer, wiry stems rise above the evergreen foliage bearing delightfully clove-scented flowers with deeply fringed petals. Native to the rocky limestone slopes of central and southeastern Europe, they have also served as a cornerstone of cottage gardens for centuries.

FloweringPerennialAromatic
Garden Pink reference1 / 7
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
  • European Rabbit
  • Roe Deer
  • Slugs
ThreatsHabitat loss from land conversion, overgrazing, and competition from invasive grasses
HabitatsCalcareous grasslands, rocky slopes, screes, and gravelly dry meadows
Life spanPerennial (typically 3–8 years)
Classification
  1. OrderCaryophyllales
  2. FamilyCaryophyllaceae
  3. GenusDianthus
  4. SpeciesDianthus plumarius
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested; keep curious pets from chewing the stems.
Why it is dangerous
Contains triterpenoid saponins that cause mild gastrointestinal upset and occasional contact dermatitis in dogs and cats.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognizable by its narrow glaucous blue-grey leaves and pastel petals with deeply cut, fringed margins.
What to do
Safe for humans to touch and smell; supervise pets around garden beds to prevent browsing.
Responsible observation
  • Growing Conditions: Plant in full sun and sharply drained, slightly alkaline or gritty soil to prevent crown rot.
  • Deadheading: Snip spent blossom stalks down to the foliage cushion to encourage sporadic late-season reblooming.
  • Pet Safety: Position elevated in rockeries or stone troughs out of reach of indoor or backyard pets.
Related species
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