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Deptford Pink

©Janet Powell

Deptford pink

The pretty Deptford pink is a very rare flower that is very vulnerable to the loss of our traditional grassland and farmland habitats. It can only be found in a few places in England and Wales.

Scientific name

Dianthus armeria

When to see

July to August

Species information

Category

Statistics

Height: up to 60cm
Classified as Endangered on the Vascular Plant Red Data List for Great Britain. Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.

About

The Deptford pink has declined rapidly in range and is now known to inhabit only about 15 sites in the UK, mainly in the south. It is usually found on nutrient-poor, free-draining, drought-prone basic soils, and requires open conditions to grow well. It can be found on disturbed ground, such as tracks and field edges, along hedgerows, and in dry pasture.

How to identify

The Deptford pink has a long flower stalk and deep pink petals that have delicate, pale spots and ragged edges. It has a rosette of green leaves at its base.

Distribution

Very rare and localised distribution in England and Wales.

Did you know?

The Deptford pink was named by a 17th century naturalist, Thomas Johnson, who described a pink flower growing in Deptford in East London. It is highly likely, however, that he was actually describing its cousin, maiden pink, and that the Deptford pink had not grown in the area since the city of London was built.