Reading the long lists of dianthus species in books such as The English Rock Garden by Reginald Farrer or The Garden of Pinks by L. H. Bailey makes one realize how few of the races are available to gardeners in the United States.
However, a sufficient number of species and hybrids can be had to make the garden bright with dianthus, or pinks, as they are familiarly known, for many Summer days.
The rock garden can accommodate the choicest of them, for many jewels are found among the true alpine pinks. These should have a place with other treasured rock plants away from the crowding, more significant kinds which would overshadow their delicate diminutive beauty.
A Choice of Dianthus Species
Perhaps Dianthus alpinus is the most spectacular with its delicate deep or lighter pink flowers, more significant than a twenty-five-cent piece. These are borne on 2” inches stems in profusion as to hide the shining, dark foliage, which is a distinguishing feature of Dianthus alpinus.
An extraordinary situation with good drainage, limey soil, and attention to moisture in dry times are recommended. Dianthus alpinus is not a long-lived plant. Still, it can be raised relatively quickly from seeds, which do not always produce the most acceptable forms. Dianthus alpinus albus, a creamy-white version of the type, is relatively rare to the trade.
Dianthus callizonus, considered by some authorities to be close to or a variation of Dianthus alpinus is quite distinct. The foliage is thinner and glaucous rather than dark and shining. The flowers are large and light pink with a pronounced dark, speckled zone in the center.
It is not too difficult to grow if one should be so fortunate as to have it in the garden. Dianthus callizonus is one of the rarest and most beautiful pinks raised.
A White-Flowering Gem
One of the most accessible alpine dianthus to grow is Dianthus neglectus which will live to a great age in the right situation. The flowers are bright, cherry-rose with a blue eye-and buff reverse. This species is so brilliant in color that care should be taken to ensure its harmony with neighboring plants.
In nature, it shuns lime-rock, but it grows amiably in the ordinary soil mixture suitable for alpine plants in the garden. Despite the abundant blossoms, few seeds develop; yet this breed is somewhat true with only slight variations in color.
Another alpine form of rather a dwarf habit, Dianthus sylresiris bears flowers of beautiful clean, clear pink. Dianthus sylrestris frigidus is a variety smaller still.
The cheddar pink, Dianthus caesius, is probably not the proper form as found in American gardens. Few plants hybridize more freely than dianthus, and consequently, many have gone under that label in dealers’ lists so that only a botanist could distinguish the actual species. A hybrid, Dianthus caesius arvernensis, is a minute version of the true Dianthus caesius.
Dianthus peresteri (so-called) should be rightly named Dianthus deitoides serpyllifolius, according to information in The Garden of Pinks by L. If. Bailey. The plant has some resemblance to Dianthus delOdes but only in appearance, not in the habit.
It is more compact and dwarf, spreading slowly into a thick mat and bearing small, clear pink flowers all the Summer through. It is necessary to increase it by division since there are almost no seeds in the seed vessels.
The Dainty Dianthus Negiecias
On the contrary, Dianthus deltoides is such an inveterate seeder that it is necessary to banish it entirely outside the select garden where its dwarf habit and bright flowers would admit it otherwise. Several forms are listed: Bowles variety, deep rose, an upright type, and a white paper.
Flowers of pale yellow characterize Dianthus knappi, which should be a choice, but falls short of any claim to beauty by having flowers so small and insignificant as to make it unworthy of admiration or pursuit.
Dianthus hybrids are countless, and many have been named, but seedlings of some dwarf hybrid strains will produce many equally good types and some that are inferior and should be discarded.
A fine dwarf hybrid is Dianthus roysi, said to have come from Dianthus neglectus to which it bears little resemblance; it is gray-leaved with bright flowers, blooming early for pink, and living to a good old age like its parent. Another attractive small hybrid is listed as Bourbrille; the tiny, silvery cushions are covered with small, pink flowers. Little Joe is a miniature red form.
Old Time Cottage Pinks
Cottage pinks, forms of Dianthus plumarins, have been largely superseded by the many fine hybrids that specialists have developed. These are a vast improvement over the parent with strikingly-brilliant colors and pure white and pink sorts with comprehensive centers of deep red.
Among the best are Dianthus winteri, outstanding for its form and brilliant colors; Cyclops, in various red-slim led flowers; Highland hybrids and several double strains. The latter will not breed true, but there will be a percentage of double flowers when grown from seed.
Some gardeners may not know that Dianthus chinensis, the well-known annual sort, will often live over the second year and make a more good show in blossoming. The form Dianthus chinensis, laciniatus splendens, is beautiful in deep red and salmon shades with comprehensive white centers.
A relatively uncommon kind, Dianthus latifolius is quite close to Dianthus barbatus. Still, it is a much smaller plant and distinct in appearance, having narrow, grassy foliage and clusters of deep red flowers. Like sweet william, it is apt to be of short life.
Sweet william, Dianthus barbatus, in all its calico colors, is seldom used in gardens now. The delightful salmon, Newport Pink, and other clear shades make it valuable for mass planting required in garden design.
A dwarf form has been developed, better suited to borders than to rock gardens as is sometimes recommended. It is still a sweet william and has the same character, large foliage and all, except for being compact in growth — four to 6” inches tall on the average.
Cultural Note
For the most part, the culture of dianthus presents few difficulties; however, they do appreciate good soil and proper feeding. Established plants respond to applications of bonemeal and humus at least once a year. A sunny place in well-drained soil suits them best, and they should be watered in arid weather.
An essential practice is the frequent shearing of the foliage — a haircutting procedure —clipping off the tips of the leaves to shape up and encourage new growth. This can be done more than once after flowering is passed with great benefit to the plant since it ensures a much longer and healthier life.
Dianthus, well grown, are ornaments in any garden. As wall plants, they are beautiful even after the flowers have passed. Indeed, any garden is enriched by the liberal use of the genus dianthus.
44659 by Betty Hayward