Time to take root

You need to propagate to maintain quality, says Peter

- Peter Seabrook

THERE have been many memorable exhibits built at our national shows over the years, and taking cuttings from some garden pinks reminded me of the eye-catching display staged by Whetman Pinks in 2012. This company has carried out very successful dianthus breeding over the years and its strongly scented cut-flower cultivars ‘Bridal Star’ and ‘Pink Ruffles’ more than make up for the lack of perfume in cut flower spray carnations.

While all of the pinks are hardy perennials, after around three years plants tend to get woody and are better replaced by new stock, easily rooted from softwood cuttings in summer. Old plants can be cut back in spring to rejuvenate them, but to be on the safe side, propagating more now is to be recommended.