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Physical description: Growing horizontally and forming a wide-spreading
mat of foliage, Maiden pink is an excellent ground cover. This
herbaceous plant reaches 4 to 8 in. tall by 15 in. wide. The
leaves, evergreen and linear, look like grass, are ½ in.
long, and colored medium green to bluish green. The flowering
occurs during late spring or during summer. The flowers, which
may almost entirely cover the foliage, are ¾ in. wide
and a scarlet red lavender with an attractive fragrance. Each
flower has 5 petals and each petal has a dark V-shaped band on
its base. The fruit is a cylindrical and non-ornamental capsule.
Optimal growing conditions: Maiden pink prefers full sun or partial-shade.
The plant can grow well in a well drained, fertile, and moderately
rich alkaline soil, and is drought tolerant. If the plant is
sheared after the flowering, additional growth may occur. Winter
hardiness: Zones 3-9.
Susceptibility to pests and diseases: This species has no serious disease problems.
Concerning pests, aphids, mites, Fusarium, and rust can do some
damage.
Use:
This species creates an excellent ground cover in full sun or
partial shade.
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