Caring for Fringed Pink

Fringed pink is a low-maintenance perennial once established, asking little beyond good drainage and plenty of sun. Water sparingly throughout the growing season; the plant's low water needs mean it copes well with dry spells and actually suffers in consistently damp conditions. In summer, water only during prolonged drought, and even then, a deep soak every couple of weeks is sufficient. Overwatering encourages root rot and fungal disease, so err on the dry side. Feeding is not necessary. Fringed pink grows naturally on lean, alkaline soils and too much fertility leads to lush, floppy growth and fewer flowers. If your soil is very poor, a light sprinkle of blood, fish and bone in early spring is ample, but most garden soils need no supplementary feeding at all. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, which promote leaf growth at the expense of blooms. Fringed pink is fully hardy in zones 3a–8b and needs no winter protection in temperate Europe. The evergreen foliage persists through winter, so avoid covering plants with mulch or fleece, which can trap moisture and cause crown rot. A gravel mulch around the base helps keep the foliage dry and discourages slugs, which occasionally nibble young shoots in spring. Pests are rarely a problem, but aphids may cluster on flower buds in early summer; a strong jet of water usually dislodges them. The main threat is fungal disease, particularly in humid weather or poorly drained sites. Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants properly and avoid overhead watering. If rust or leaf spot appears, remove affected foliage promptly and thin surrounding plants to improve airflow.