Dianthus

The Dianthus we grow are also known as Border Pinks. These comprise a group of Dianthus larger than the diminutive alpine species and smaller than carnations. Some of these are old historic varieties such as Inchmery which originated in the eighteenth century. While others are more recent selections such as Mountain Mist. Many gardeners grow Dianthus for their fragrance. The spicy scent varies with each variety. In the plant descriptions we try to indicate the range of fragrance. Some such as Rose du Mai are highly scented, while Allspice and Brympton Red are not so overpowering with their scent. A number of the Dianthus we grow are known as Laced Pinks. These are typically double or semidouble flowers having each petal edged in shades of pink to burgundy. Examples of these are London Delight or Gran's Favourite. Since the Border Pinks have a relatively short blooming season (3 - 4 weeks in early summer), it is often important to select plants which look attractive in the garden when not in flower. Charles Musgrave, though highly scented, has little to offer with its sprawling habit, whereas Essex Witch or Waithman's Beauty make tidy mats of low dense foliage which are attractive throughout the year. Regardless of whether it's an historic Dianthus or a recent introduction, or scented or not, all the Dianthus are cheery in the garden and make wonderful cut flowers.

Allspice (17th century) This prolific bloomer is quite showy with quantities of single, brightly colored flowers of raspberry red with a thin white margin on each petal. Compact growth with flowering stems to 10".

Blue Hills The stunning, dense mats of glaucous foliage are topped by brilliant magenta flowers. This is an excellent dianthus to use in crevices and between paving. The flowers are quite fragrant.

Dainty Dame A dwarf grower producing, over a long period, single white flowers with a distinct maroon eye. Lightly scented.

Hope (1946) Double maroon flowers have a frosted white edge on each petal. Unusual, Lightly scented.

Inchmery An eighteenth century variety with the palest of light pink flowers. With its beautiful and highly scented flowers and good looking silvery foliage, this is one of the most popular Dianthus. Grows 15" high.

Lady Granville (1840) Highly scented, semidouble flowers. The white petals are laced raspberry with a deeper colored center. A good grower with a neat habit.

London Delight (1940's) Double, pale pink flowers, fading to white, with a dark raspberry center and a perfect lacing of rosy-red. Intricate and beautiful. Light scent.

Mountain Mist This recent introduction has beautiful glistening gray-blue foliage. The semidouble white flowers on 8" " stems are highly scented.

Mrs. Sinkins (1860's) An old fashioned favorite with blowsy, double white flowers that are extremely fragrant. Perhaps the most well known of the old Dianthus. Makes low growing mats of green foliage.

Old Square Eyes This dianthus is unique and appeals to many who see its unusual flowers. It has large flowers that are pale pink with a warm salmon-pink eye. They are also very fragrant. The distinctive eye has a geometric appearance, hence the name.

Rose du Mai (Early 1800's) Copious quantities of double, very fragrant flowers of a unique shade of lilac-pink. The attractive bluish foliage alone makes it a desirable plant in the landscape. The earliest Dianthus to flower. Grows 18" high and 24" wide.

Ursala la Grove Single, strongly fringed white petals with an irregular feathering of raspberry. A distinctive and free flowering cultivar.

................................Dianthus $4.50 each