UK: Dianthus specialist Whetman Pinks gets French award for 'Memories'
Launched to the trade at the HTA National Plant Show in June 2011 by Bransford Webbs, ‘Memories’ was awarded Best New Plant in Show. This award was followed by being voted runner-up in the Plant of the Year competition at RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May 2012.
Dianthus ‘Memories’ is one of Whetman Pinks’ Scent First® range of pinks of intermediate height (20-30cm) and suitable for pots/containers or perennial production. It is pure white, double and intensely fragrant and according to Managing Director Carolyn Bourne, is Whetman’s 21st century take on the calyx-splitting veteran D. ‘Mrs Sinkins’. This variety retains the impressive fragrance of ‘Mrs Sinkins’ but is repeat-flowering, naturally compact and extremely hardy to cold and heat – a truly herbaceous perennial.’
Of particular note is the fact that Whetman Pinks is donating to the Alzheimer’s Society, all royalties collected on sales of ‘Memories’ since its launch to the public in May 2012 until December 2013. Carolyn Bourne says, ‘our initial target was a rather ambitious £15,000 over the life of the campaign but we have already sent more than £8,000 for the first 6 months since its launch. Our target no longer seems ambitious but actually achievable.’
Not only will the Alzheimer’s Society in the UK benefit from their fund raising efforts, but Alzheimer’s Australia is set to benefit from donation of royalties recouped jointly by Whetman Pinks and Plant Marketing Australia.
Dianthus ‘Memories’ has been shortlisted in the ‘Best New Variety - Herbaceous Perennials’ category for the Grower of the Year Awards 2013.