Wild Pink

About this plant

Silene caroliniana var. wherryi 'Short and Sweet', commonly known as Wild Pink, is a captivating native perennial renowned for its profusion of star-shaped, rosy-pink flowers that emerge in spring. This cultivar lives up to its name, forming a neat, low-growing mound of glossy green foliage, making it an excellent choice for front-of-border plantings, rock gardens, or mass plantings where its early season color can truly shine. Beyond its undeniable beauty, 'Short and Sweet' is a plant of remarkable resilience and ecological value. Its cheerful blossoms attract a host of early pollinators, including butterflies and native bees, contributing significantly to your garden's biodiversity. It thrives in well-drained soils and is surprisingly drought-tolerant once established, offering a low-maintenance solution for adding vibrant, long-lasting color to sunny spots. Cultivated by "A Cut Above" for its exceptional garden performance and aesthetic appeal, 'Short and Sweet' Wild Pink promises to be a standout feature, providing a reliable burst of springtime brilliance year after year. Plant it alongside other early bloomers or as a striking groundcover, and enjoy its effortless charm and ecological benefits.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Plant in well-drained soil. Water regularly during its first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, 'Short and Sweet' is drought-tolerant, but occasional watering during prolonged dry spells will promote better flowering. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage a tidier appearance and potential rebloom. No significant pest or disease issues. Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall to maintain vigor.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.