Description

This carnation relative is widespread in mountainous regions of California, excluded only from the deserts of the southeast and the Great Basin. Following dormancy, the plant develops as a loose, fairly prostrate mound of oval/lance-shaped leaves. The foliage may be sparse and easily missed in a natural setting. Towards the end of spring the bright red blooms appear with unusual deeply dissected petals. The flowers really glow, attracting the attention of the gardener and hummingbirds. Plant California indian pink in well-draining soil and water sparingly or not at all in the summer (after establishment).