DIANTHUS – FLOWERS OF THE GODS

To mean, Flowers of the Gods, such is the reverence of the dianthus bloom. From the Greek words dios, meaning “god” and anthos, meaning “flower”, the Greek botanist, Theophrastus, cited the perfect mix in the name, dianthus. It’s a pity their odour is not quite god-like. They are members of the Caryophyllaceae (what a mouthful!) family which is derived from the Greek for “clove tree” which is what their flowers often smell like, but luckily it’s mild. They can be found growing naturally in the Mediterranean, Balkan Peninsula, and Asia Minor regions with everything from annual to biennial and perennial species.

Everyone should have heard their common names, carnations, sweet William and pinks, but did you know that the colour pink may very well also be named after dianthus? Pink, as a verb dates back to the 14th century, meaning “to decorate with a perforated or punched pattern” which would reference the frilly edges of dianthus. Another theory is that the origin of the word pink is the Dutch Pinkster or German Pfingsten for Pentecost which is when dianthus bloom.

DIVINE DIANTHUS

Dianthus really are divine. Derived from the Greek meaning “flower of the gods”. This is a stalwart in any garden and it is the plant that just keeps on giving. Flush after flush of flowers, these plants offer displays almost year round. Dianthus are excellent value for money.

Dianthus belong to the family Caryophyllaceae, a name derived from the Greek for clove tree, a reference to the often clove scented flowers. There are approximately 300 species within the Dianthus genus. Native primarily to Europe and Asia, you will find a few species in North Africa and one species native to arctic North America. South Africa even has an indigenous one – Dianthus mooiensis.

The most common Dianthus species found in South African garden centres and nurseries all share common physical attributes. They are herbaceous and sometimes woody stemmed. Leaves are opposite and simple. Linear in shape with smooth edges. Colour ranges from grey-green to blue green. The flowers of Dianthus consist of 5 petals with serrated edges. The available colours and variations are numerous: many shades of pink and rose, red, scarlet, purple, lavender, violet, salmon, white. Picotee edges. Coloured central “eye”. You are spoilt for choice.