HOW TO TAKE CUTTINGS FROM PINKS
Cleanliness and admin play a crucial role
IUSED to think that pinks and carnations were a bit fuddyduddy, but I have come to reassess this earlier opinion. There are so many Dianthus to choose from that there has to be one for every taste and garden situation. I now have two so far: a mat-forming dwarf ‘Class Act’ with red flowers and grey-green leaves, and a beautifully scented pink ‘Iced Gem’.
I’d like more of the latter to sit at the edge of borders and use in patio containers, so I took some cuttings to grow on and then plant out in autumn.
Dianthus are easy to propagate via cuttings in summer and also by layering, though this is usually done in autumn. Ideally, take cuttings on a still, slightly overcast day to reduce the risk of cut plant material drying out.
This is peak time for taking cuttings, removing spent flower heads and pruning straggly plants. Keep tools where they are easily accessible and make sure they are clean and sharp.