Dianthus ~ Pinks, Carnations, Sweet William! Let your kids in on the “Flower of the Gods”…

The Dianthus ~ the name derived from the Greek word for Jupiter Flower or Flower of the Gods, the Dianthus is commonly known to gardeners as the species of Sweet William, Maiden Pink, Pinks or Carnation, although there are more than 300 species in the Dianthus genus.

The Dianthus is a delightful and welcomed flower in gardens for its colors and forms.  Its 5-petaled flowers range from pale pink to dark rose, but some species are white, lavender, crimson and even yellow.  The Dianthus ranges in size from the petite 6-inch edging plant to border specimens as tall as 3 feet.

The Dianthus may be the reason we have the color pink, as Pinks was the general name of the species Dianthus of the family Caryophyllaceae.  As early as the 16th century, the Dianthus was called Pinkes or Pynkes.  The delightful shades of the Dianthus inspired a color name!

Another interesting Dianthus or Pinks tidbit comes in the form of the verb to pink or pinking… the term used for decorated edges in a scalloped, flounced, ribboned or frilled design.  The edges of the Dianthus petals are delicately pinked. The tool pinking shears comes from the pinked design!

Get outside with your kids and discover the wonders of the Dianthus… or bring some inside.  Carnations are a perfect way to do this.  Show your kids the delicate pinked edges of the petals and explain the meaning of the word.

Enjoy the Flower of the Gods today!