Dianthus Lily the Pink (‘WP05 Idare')
Words: Graham Rice
Sometimes, it can take time even for genuinely outstanding varieties to receive their Award of Garden Merit when a trial has proven their value.
In the Wisley trial of garden pinks that finished in 2009, Dianthus Lily the Pink (‘WP05 Idare') was outstanding and the assessment panel unanimously agreed on its award. This is a tall variety, reaching as high as 47cm (18.5in), and making a mound of especially well-silvered foliage so that the plant looks attractive even before and after its flowering season.
The first blooms opened on the 18 May for the start of a long season and the assessment panel picked out two features in particular to highlight. First the fragrance, which was described as 'wonderful'. And isn’t that what we are all looking for in a garden pink? They also remarked on how prolific the plants were, reddish purple double flowers, shading to purplish red at the base of the petals, were very generously produced. The flowers were also large, more than 5cm (2in) across, with pretty toothed edges to the petals.
So why has it taken until now for this prolific, vigorous colourful and beautifully scented plant to finally receive its award? Two things. First, the name had to be registered. This was especially important as not only had it been known as Lily the Pink but also as ‘Devon Idare’.
The other issue was that in spite of having been raised by Whetman Pinks, the world’s leading breeder of new pinks, it has not been available sale to gardeners until recently. Now these two issues have been resolved, Dianthus Lily the Pink can receive its award.