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Mar 12, 2015 4:22 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Neal Linville
Winchester, KY (Zone 6a)
Bulbs Charter ATP Member Cottage Gardener I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Irises Roses
Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Garden Ideas: Level 2
In the cut flower industry these are known as "green ball Dianthus". I'd never seen them in person until today, and they are very odd. I kept thinking if I stuck a couple of wobbly eyes to it, it would look like a Muppet! I read somewhere that it is a form of Dianthus barbatus, Sweet William. Looks like the inflorescence has mutated into something more leaf like- I couldn't see any actual flower parts (stamens, pistils, etc.).
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"...and don't think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It's quiet, but the roots are down there riotous." Rumi
Last edited by gemini_sage Mar 12, 2015 4:32 PM Icon for preview
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Mar 12, 2015 9:26 PM CST
Name: Arlene
Grantville, GA (Zone 8a)
Greenhouse Region: Georgia Garden Sages Organic Gardener Beekeeper Vegetable Grower
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Really? A dianthus? I like the muppet reference. Hilarious!
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Mar 13, 2015 6:10 PM CST
Name: Betsy
Texas (Zone 9a)
In the beginning GOD created ...
Amaryllis Region: Florida Hummingbirder Irises Lilies Master Gardener: Texas
Native Plants and Wildflowers Region: Texas Plant and/or Seed Trader Daylilies Cottage Gardener Container Gardener
Last spring I saw them at one of our local gardens - I've posted the photo on database. They are interesting.
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Mar 15, 2015 1:44 AM CST
Name: Paul
Bunbury, Western Australia. (Zone 10b)
Region: Australia
How interesting Neal,I've never heard of this type, but then again I am a bit of a hermit these days.Don't think I would ever grow something like that, as I breed carnations and pinks, but can see they have appeal for the cut flower market and definitely something different!
Different latitudes, different attitudes
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Mar 15, 2015 5:15 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Neal Linville
Winchester, KY (Zone 6a)
Bulbs Charter ATP Member Cottage Gardener I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Irises Roses
Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Garden Ideas: Level 2
Same here, don't really think I'd want them in the garden, but they do look nice in floral arrangements. When I get pics of the bridal bouquet I'll post some here.

In studying the bloom head, I realized all those green hairy looking parts are something I see on Sweet Williams just before the buds start opening- surrounded the blooms. These seem to have mutated so that those hairs have replaced all the other flower parts. Doesn't look like they could be used for breeding, since there are no anthers or stigmas.
"...and don't think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It's quiet, but the roots are down there riotous." Rumi
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Mar 16, 2015 8:17 AM CST
Name: Jo Ann Gentle
Pittsford NY (Zone 6a)
Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Cat Lover Heucheras Hellebores Container Gardener
Birds Region: New York Avid Green Pages Reviewer Irises Garden Ideas: Master Level Lilies
Looks almost fasciated.
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Mar 16, 2015 10:17 PM CST
Name: Leslieray Hurlburt
Sacramento California (Zone 9b)
The WITWIT Badge Region: California Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Xeriscape Native Plants and Wildflowers Salvias
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(Dianthus barbatus 'Green Trick') AKA Green Ball is what it is. There a recent Plant ID thread about this oddity. I think I like it but need to see it in person.
Hamilton Square Garden, Historic City Cemetery, Sacramento California.
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Mar 17, 2015 5:04 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Neal Linville
Winchester, KY (Zone 6a)
Bulbs Charter ATP Member Cottage Gardener I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Irises Roses
Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Garden Ideas: Level 2
Ah yes, I'd meant to post the data base link! Smiling
"...and don't think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It's quiet, but the roots are down there riotous." Rumi
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