Clove Pink and Gillyflower

The true pinks are derived from Dianthus plumarius, a native of Eastern Europe and introduced to Britain in the 17th century. From then on, numerous varieties have been  cultivated. The wild forefather of the carnation, Dianthus caryophyllus, is a native of Central and Southern Europe; both species and their varieties are now cultivated throughout the world.

Dianthus comes from the words 'dios', meaning divine, and 'anthos', meaning flower, and was coined by Theophrastus, a Greek botanist who lived in 370-285 BC, alluding to their fragrance and neatness of flower. Both the Romans and Greeks gave pinks a place of honor and made coronets and garlands from the flowers. The strong sweet clove scent has made it popular for both culinary and perfumery purposes for more than 2,000 years. In the 17th century it was recognized that the flowers could be crystallized, and the petals were used in soups, sauces, cordials and wine, and infused in vinegar.

The Cheddar Pink, Cleeve Pink or Cliff Pink, was discovered early in the 18th century by Wiltshire botanist, Samuel Brewer. It became as famous as Cheddar cheese and is mentioned in all the guide books.

Species

Dianthus armeria

Deptford Pink

Evergreen hardy perennial. Ht30-45cm (12-18in), spread 45cm (18in). Small bunches of little, cerise or pink, unscented flowers in summer. In dull weather the flower closes. Lance-shaped, narrow, dark green leaves. This is a wild plant and is becoming increasingly rare. It looks most attractive growing in a border.

Dianthus caryophyllus

Carnation

Evergreen hardy perennial. Ht45-60cm (18-24in), spread 45cm (18in). Rose or purply pink flowers, having a spicy sweet scent. Loose mats of narrow, grey/green, lance-shaped leaves.

Dianthus deltoides

Maiden Pink

Evergreen hardy perennial. Ht 15cm (6in), spread 30cm (12in). Small cerise, pink or white flowers are borne singly all summer. Small, narrow, lance-shaped, dark green leaves.

Maiden pinks are a lovely spreading plant for rock gardens or gravely paths.

Dianthus gratianopolitanus syn. Dianthus caesius

Cheddar Pink

Evergreen hardy perennial. Ht 15cm (6in), spread 30cm (12in). Very fragrant, rich pink to magenta, flat flowers are borne singly all summer. Loose mats of narrow, grey/green, lance-shaped leaves. The Cheddar pink is very rare and a protected species in Britain, but is more common in Europe.

Dianthus plumarius

Pinks

Evergreen hardy perennial. Ht 15cm (6in), spread 30cm (12in). Very fragrant white flowers with dark crimson centres borne singly all summer. Loose mats of narrow, grey/green, lance-shaped leaves. These are related to the Cheddar pink and are the origin of the Garden pink. Some old fashioned garden pinks worth looking for:

Dianthus 'Gran's Favourite'

Fragrant semi-double white flowers with deep purple/red centre.

Dianthus 'London Delight'

Fragrant flowers are semi-double and colored lavender laced with purple.

Dianthus 'Mrs Sinkins'

Heavily scented flower, fringed, fully double, and white.

Dianthus 'Prudence'

Fragrant semi-double flowers, pinkish-white with purple lacing. This variety has a spreading habit.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

Although pinks can be propagated by seed, they can turn out to be very variable in height, color and habit. The named forms can only be propagated by cuttings or by layering.

Sow the small seed in the autumn when it is fresh, or in early spring, in prepared seed or plug trays; cover with Perlite. If sown in the autumn the voting plants must be wintered under covet. It is critical not to over-water young plants or they will rot off. Allow plenty of air to flow through the greenhouse on warm days -if you open up the cold frame, close it at night. In the spring, when the seedlings are large enough to handle and alter a period of hardening off, plant out in the garden about 30cm (1ft) apart.

Cuttings

Stem cuttings can be taken in the spring. Alternatively heel cuttings can be taken in the early autumn (see step 6 of Softwood Cuttings, page 218), using the bark, peat, grit compost. Again, water the compost before taking the cuttings, then keep the compost on the drier side of moist, so helping to prevent disease.

Division

After flowering, the plants can be dug up and divided.

Layering

In late summer plants can be layered.

Pests and Diseases

The main pest is the red spider mite. Use a liquid horticultural soap and spray at first sign of the pest. Alternatively, introduce the natural predator Phytoseiulus persimilis, following the instructions that will accompany them. Do not use both.

The main disease appears at propagation stage, when the young plants can rot off, usually caused by a fungus attack, triggered off by the compost being too wet. Organically there is nothing one can use to get rid of this; the infected plants must be removed.

Maintenance

Spring: Sow seeds. Take stem cuttings.

Summer: Dead head flowers to prolong flowering. Divide after flowering. Layer plants.

Autumn: Take heals cuttings. Sow seed.

Winter: No need for protection.

Garden Cultivation

Pinks prefer a truly well-drained soil, short of plant nutrient, and a sunny, sheltered site.

They are happy by the sea or growing in a rock garden. With new varieties being developed all the time, many old pinks and carnations has been lost. But you can still find some excellent specialist nurseries that offer a great range.

Harvest

Pick flowers when they are open either to use fresh, or to crystallize the petals or to dry for potpourris or to use for oil or vinegar.

Container growing

Happy in containers, window boxes and tubs as long as their compost is free-draining; so use the bark, peat, grit mix. They combine well with other plants, and look just a bit special on their own. Maiden pinks can look very effective in hanging baskets.

Culinary

If you remove a petal from the flower you will notice that it has a white heel. This must be removed before the petals are added to any food as it is very bitter. Add petals to salads, and to fruit pies and sandwiches. Use to flavor sugar and jam, or to make syrup. Add crystallized flower petals to cakes and decorate puddings.

Medicinal

A tonic cordial can be made from the flower petals and is even better when combined with white wine! Makes an excellent nerve tonic.

Other uses

Add dried petals to potpourris, scented sachets, and cosmetic products.