Dianthus caryophyllus Wilson’s ‘William IV’
For generic information on the garden carnation see Dianthus caryophyllus L. Wilson’s ‘William IV’ is a scarlet flake carnation. ‘Good petals with the colour bright and well divided.’ [Gard. Chron. 1842]. ‘Well marked, a fuller flower and of excellent shape.’ [Gard. Chron. 1843]. ‘This is a very pretty scarlet flake. The white is tolerably good, and the stripes of scarlet very vivid. It is, however, only a middle-sized flower, and ought to be strong grown, and primed well before it attains the desirable size for the competition florist.’ [FC p.8/1843].
Horticultural & Botanical History
Perhaps not surprisingly a number of carnations were named after the late King William. Walmsley’s ‘William IV’: ‘Another strong scarlet bizarre of rather a dark appearance, the two colours predominating a little over the white; still it is a very beautiful and attractive flower, and well worthy of cultivation by the competing amateur.’ [FC p.8/1843]. Wood’s ‘William IV’, a crimson bizarre: ‘I have had blooms on this root, which I have not seen equalled by any other. The guard petals are large, round, and well shaped; the stripes good, the white clean, and altogether it is with me a favourite flower.’ [British Florist p.217/1844]. An advertisement for Youell and Co. of Great Yarmouth listed an additional seven carnations with the name ‘William IV’ or ‘King William IV; scarlet bizarres from Cartwright, Christian, Moore and Redfern, a pink and purple bizarre from Taylor, and a scarlet flake from Boothman. [Gard. Chron. 1843]. For further information on Victorian Florists’ Carnations see Dianthus caryophyllus Smith’s ‘Duke of Wellington’.
History at Camden Park
In October 1849 a large consignment of plants was sent by Veitch and Sons, Exeter, to J. C. Bidwill at Camden Park. The consignment included named Carnations and Picotees, the present plant included. [MP A2943].
Notes
Published Apr 08, 2009 - 04:26 PM | Last updated Aug 26, 2011 - 05:23 PM
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Garden origin, England |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Florists’ Carnation |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Carnation Wilson’s ‘William IV’ |
| Confidence level | high |
