Dianthus caryophyllus Sharpe’s ‘Duke of Wellington’

For generic information on the garden Carnation and Picotee see Dianthus caryophyllus L.  Sharpe’s ‘Duke of Wellington’ is a ‘heavy-edged red picotee; petals broad and well formed, white fine, and red very brilliant but not quite confined to the edge.’  [Gard. Chron. 1842].  ‘White pure, and very fully feathered; the guard leaves are rather too small, sometimes rather too much bowed.’  [Gard. Chron. 1843].  ‘Sharpe’s “Duke of Wellington” at present stands unrivalled among the heavy red-edged flowers, notwithstanding the smoothness of the petals and peculiarity of colour.’  [Gard. Chron. 1843].  ‘Heavy-edged, red picotee: pod large but rather short; petals broad and well formed and crowning finely; ground good and clear; edging well marked and regular.  [FC p.42/1849].  ‘Were it not for its pudding-shaped pod, which makes it very liable to burst, this would be the best heavy red out, as it is, if caught, a very pretty flower, round in its shape, good in its colour, and deserving a place in any collection.’  [BF p.219/1844].