Cottage Pink

Did you know

• The English word 'pink' as a color actually comes from the flower, not the other way around — the verb 'to pink' meant to cut zigzag edges, like the fringed petals of a dianthus.
• Dianthus means 'flower of the gods' in Greek — Theophrastus named them in the 3rd century BCE.
• Most pinks are powerfully clove-scented, especially in the cool of evening, and the spice clove was once flavored with dried dianthus petals.
• Pinks have been cultivated in Europe for over 2,000 years — they're one of the oldest garden flowers in continuous cultivation.
• Traditional cottage pinks are nicknamed 'gillyflowers' and were a favorite in Tudor knot gardens and Shakespeare's plays.

Color meanings

Uses

• Edging
• Rock gardens
• Cut flowers
• Cottage gardens