Plants & Flowers

Dianthus Deltoides.

Maiden Pink; Old Names, "Wild Gilloflower," "Virgin-like Pinke," "Maidenly Pinke"; Nat. Ord. Caryophyllaceæ—Silenaceæ.

A British species of perennial character, never failing to bloom for a long period when it meets with a suitable home in our gardens—as in positions similar to those described for Erysimum pumilum. Seen either wild or in gardens it is much admired; it bears but simple flowers, but therein consists its beauty.

As Gerarde says, "Virgin-like Pinke is like unto the rest of the garden pinkes in stalkes, leaves, and rootes. The flowers are of a blush colour, whereof it tooke his name, which sheweth the difference from the other." It is about the most simple form of the Pink tribe. The flowers are a little over ½in. across, of a rose colour or pleasing blush. It grows nearly a foot high in some soils, but in a poor compost it is more dwarf and floriferous. The flower stems are much divided near the tops, and capable of producing a good effect from their numbers of bright flowers.[Pg 82] The leaves are small, scarcely 1in. long, linear, lance-shaped, and of a dark green colour; they are closely arranged on decumbent stems, which sometimes are more than 1ft. long. The habit is compact, both as regards leaves, stems, and flowers.

For all such places as afford dryness at the roots this is a suitable plant as a constant bloomer of effective colour. When once it has become established it seeds freely, and the young plants may be seen in the walks for yards around the parent stock. It is one of those happy subjects that can take care of themselves, either braving its enemies or having none.

In its wild state it blooms from the sixth to the tenth month, both inclusive; but with cultural attention and during favourable winters, it has been seen in flower to the end of the year.

Flowering period, June to October.