DIANTHUS. 



8l 



DIANTHUS. 



(THE CARNATION, PICOTEE OR PINK.) 



The genus Dianthus, name derived from dzos, di- 

 vine and anthoSy a flower, includes three members of 

 the floral kingdom, D. Caryophy litis, the Carnation 

 and Picotee, D. Chinensis, the Chinese Pink, and D. 

 Hortensis, the Garden Pink, unrivalled for the frag- 

 rance and beauty of their flowers. The first named 

 is the prominent variety for the window, and was 

 introduced into cultivation nearly 400 years ago 

 from Italy or Germany. The monthly Carnations 

 bloom several times a year and are, therefore, most 

 desirable. The distinction between the Carnation 

 and Picotee is not botanical, but made by florists 

 on account of the different marks of color in the 

 petals. Under each of these names there are 

 several classes as Bizarres, Flakes, etc., which in- 

 clude all colors, from white to dark velvety carmine, 

 with their shades, veins, stripes and marblings, and 

 as these are all undergoing constant transformations 

 the nomenclature of the different varieties is con- 

 fusing. But the old fashioned common name Pink 

 applies to all members of the Dianthus family. The 

 spicy fragrance, beautiful colors and durability of 

 the flowers make them indispensable for the win- 

 dow, and justify the name " Flower of Jove." 



SOIL, WATERING AND PROPAGATION. 



A rich and congenial soil is indispensable to the 

 Carnation, and there are curious old English re- 

 4* 6 



