Pink
The typical species of Dianthus, from which the garden Pinks are supposed to have descended, is D. plumarius, a native of Eastern Europe, which has become naturalised in some parts of Britain. Since it was introduced to cultivation in this country, about the year 1629, numerous varieties and forms have been produced; but most of the improvement, from a florist's point of view, has been made during the present century. The common white Pink is a well-known occupant of almost all gardens; yet its flowers are so pure and sweet-scented that they are always welcomed. For cutting, all the varieties of garden Pinks are invaluable; they are also amongst the most popular and easily-grown of border plants.
Pinks may be propagated by seeds, by layers, or by cuttings; the latter are usually termed pipings. Seeds and layers are treated in precisely the same way as those of the Carnation (which see). Pipings usually answer best for the propagation of Pinks; they are produced in quantity round the base of old plants, and should be taken soon after the flowering season is past, and inserted, about 1in. apart, in very sandy soil, under hand-glasses, where they should be kept shaded from sunshine. All the preparation necessary is to remove a few of the lower leaves, taking care, however, to preserve the young buds, and to cut off the end, close to the bottom joint, with a sharp knife. The glasses should be kept on until roots are formed, when the young plants may have air gradually admitted to them, and be afterwards placed in a prepared border, in the open air.
Planting is best performed in September, so that the plants may become established and well rooted before winter; this is of great importance, as it considerably affects their future well-being. It should not be deferred later than the end of September. If planted in lines, a distance of about 1ft. should be allowed between them, and 9in. apart in the lines will afford sufficient space for the first year at least. Pinks succeed well in any fairly rich, loamy soil; but when the production of large flowers is the chief aim, a bed should be specially prepared for them. This should be raised above the ordinary ground level, and made up with turfy loam, leaf mould, and well-decomposed manure. Road scrapings, or anything of a similar gritty nature, are of great use for intermixing. Prepared beds should be made up about August, and be forked over occasionally; they should be from 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. in depth. When raised above the path, an edging of some sort is generally necessary for keeping up the soil, preventing water from running off, and defining the beds. A top-dressing of horse-manure, 1in. thick, should be put on during March, and lightly forked in. Another top-dressing of manure may be given with advantage at the latter end of May, and water copiously applied, in the evenings, after hot, dry days, in summer. When large flowers are required, disbudding must be practised, and side growth removed at an early stage, in order to throw the strength into the limited number of buds left; when the flowers are only required for cutting and for border decoration, this is unnecessary.
There is a valuable section of Pinks that are well adapted for forcing under glass, to flower before those outside. They will not withstand much heat, but may be gradually brought on in a cool temperature, and where plenty of air is admitted. Pinks for forcing should be thoroughly established. Cuttings must be inserted in pots, so soon as any are procurable, in spring, and placed in a gentle bottom heat. The young plants thus obtained may be grown on, under glass for a time, and then in a prepared bed all summer; they should be carefully lifted, and placed in pots, early in autumn, and wintered near the glass, in a cold frame.
Varieties. These may be divided into two classes, Show or Laced kinds and Border Pinks; nearly all of the latter are adapted for forcing, and are invaluable for ordinary decoration in outside beds. The following is a selection from the best varieties:
Border and Forcing Pinks. ANNE BOLEYN, pink, dark centre; large, very free-flowering. ASCOT, soft, fleshy-pink, with deep carmine centre; dwarf, extra fine and floriferous. CARNEA, flesh-colour, dark blotch at the base of each petal. DELICATA, white, dark plum centre, fringed. DERBY DAY, deep pink, laced with purple, large flower; distinct. FIMBRIATA MAJOR, pure white; a very large, fringed form of the old white variety, about three times the size; very free. HERCULES, white, rich dark lacing, very large. LADY BLANCHE, pure white, small; fine for forcing and buttonholes. LORD LYONS, deep rosy-purple, large, smooth, full flowers; free and distinct. MISS OWEN, centre dark velvety-maroon; exceedingly dwarf. MRS. GRIEVE, pink, laced with maroon, fringed; very distinct and floriferous. MRS. JAMES WELSH, rich crimson self, fringed; dwarf. MRS. PETTIFER, white, with light purple lacing; very useful. MRS. SINKINS, pure white, very sweet-scented; flowers very large; habit dwarf, sturdy, and very hardy; extra fine. MRS. W. M. WELSH, white, shaded yellow, edges slightly fringed; vigorous grower. NEWMARKET, rich pink, dark lacing; free. PILRIG PARK, pearl-white, edged pink, centre yellow and crimson; a beautiful single variety. ROBUSTA, pale pink, fringed, very fragrant; vigorous habit. ROSEA, rose, dark centre, fringed. RUBENS, dark flowers; dwarf and free habit. SNOWDON, pure white, very large; free-flowering and late. TOM WELSH, peach, laced deep crimson, fringed.
Show or Laced Pinks. ATTRACTION, fine deep ruby; good form. BEAUTY OF BATH, beautiful rose-lake. BERTRAM (Turner), red, broad lacing; extra fine. BOIARD (Turner), broad, smooth petals, beautifully laced bright red; extra fine. CLARA (Maclean), red, full size; very constant. CRITERION, light rose; neat. EMERALD, red lace, large and full; fine form. ENSIGN (Fellowes), broad red lace. GALOPIN (Turner), rosy-red lace; large and fine. GODFREY (Turner), bright reddish-purple; extra fine. HARRY HOOPER (Hooper), reddish-purple, bright lace; distinct. JAMES BLACK (Dicksons and Co.), pure white, plum-purple lacing; very large and constant. JESSICA (Turner), red, large, full flower. JOHN BALL (Maclean), dark plum-purple; extra fine. LADY CRAVEN (Hooper), fine red, very rich. MALCOLM DUNN, pure white, heavily laced maroon; full flower. MR. HOBBS (Looker), rosy-purple. MRS. DR. GRAY (Dicksons and Co.), pure white, narrow maroon lacing, neat and smooth; extra. MRS. JAMES GALLOWAY (Dicksons and Co.), pure white, very narrow peach lacing; one of the most delicately-marked varieties. MRS. WAITE (Turner), rosy-red; medium size. RELIANCE (Hooper), red lace, large and fine. SHIRLEY HIBBERD (Turner), rosy-purple; large, full, and fine. VOLUNTEER, rich rosy-purple. WILLIAM PAUL (Paul), clear rose lace, large, full flower; extra fine.