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Pink and plants.
The exact origins of the word ‘pink’ are disputed, but most etymological references agree there is a definite botanical link with Dianthus, the well-loved, evergreen perennial, better known as the garden pink. Pink is a relatively new word in our vocabulary, not appearing until the mid 1600s; until then, this colour was originally described as rose-red or pale-rose. It is thought that the delicately pinked or fringed petals of rose-red Dianthus flowers inspired the first descriptive use of ‘pink’ as a colour, derived from the Dutch word for ‘pinking shears’.
Pink is a colour of tranquillity, relaxation and friendship. In eastern cultures it is associated with hospitality, and in western society it is the emblem of love and romance. In the garden, pink imparts a particularly feminine aura. But as strong shades of pink move along the spectrum and change to red, the feeling becomes more masculine and less gentle. Sometimes, though, it is difficult to establish where pink ends and red begins, especially in a garden setting where nature provides us with such intriguing blends and subtleties of colour.
There is plenty time to plan ahead for summer. Many annuals are easily raised from seed and are ideal for providing bright, cheerful displays. Even if your garden is very small or limited to patio or terrace containers, annuals can be used to great effect for long-lasting shows. Sown towards the end of this month, seeds of Cosmos will germinate quickly and soon grow into bushy, healthy plants. ‘Dazzler’ is the cultivar to try if purity of pinkness is what you seek for summer. Also useful for cutting, ‘Dazzler’ will flower well into autumn.
Think of pink in the garden, and roses immediately spring to mind. Old-fashioned it may be, but since its introduction to Europe in the 13th century, Rosa gallica var. officinalis is extremely popular in contemporary gardens for providing a combination of vivid colour and delightful fragrance. This shrub rose remains fairly compact, responds well to a gentle trim in spring, and can be depended upon for a wonderful, midsummer show of blossom.
For patio containers, Lilium ‘Stargazer’ is indispensable. Often displayed as cut flowers in florists’ shops, it is even more attractive and longer lasting if grown from bulbs planted in pots in the autumn. With an exquisite perfume that is accentuated as evening falls, the pink, speckled flowers of ‘Stargazer’ are a highlight of summer. If pots are moved into a frost-free greenhouse during winter, bulbs should flower in subsequent years.
Vegetable gardens are usually associated with shades of green, but with carefully selected cultivars, a vegetable garden can now look as ornamental and pleasing to the eye as a perennial or mixed border. Aesthetic appeal is not the only reason for growing colourful vegetables; it is thought that those with pink, red or orange pigmentation are extremely beneficial to our health. Planted this month, early maincrop potato ‘Roseval’ will produce an abundant harvest in summer. With yellow, waxy flesh and carmine-coloured skin, this delicious potato is a visual delight.
Apart from being considered responsible for of the birth of a colour’s name in the 17th century, Dianthus has remained a favourite throughout the years amongst plant breeders. As a result, there are now hundreds of cultivars of garden pinks available. Whether used as edging for paths or borders, or cultivated in rockeries or patio containers, Dianthus not only provides months of sweetly scented, clove-perfumed blossom, but is also an elegant reminder of the garden origin of the pinkness of pink.
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Dianthus |
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Cosmos |
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Lilium ‘Stargazer’ |
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‘Roseval’ |