Dianthus nigrescens Sooty Black Dianthus This plant is also known
as sweet william, and in the language of flowers, it stands for gallantry as
well as treachery. This contradiction comes from the historical roots
of the common name. Sweet William was named for William, Duke ("Butcher")
of Cumberland, who led the English army that defeated the Jacobite uprising
in 1746. For this reason, and not because of its smell, in Scotland this flower is known
as Stinking Willy. I was surprised to find out that a plant's common name
could have come about so recently and be so obviously ideological. I've referred to this plant as dianthus
("heavenly flower"), another of
its names, in order to avoid that, but this dual nature also makes this
plant a good candidate for Mercury. It's fitting, then, that its flower essence
is associated with learning, a Mercury activity. Dianthus flower essence helps
bring back knowledge of spiritual mastery for those who seek it and is also
a precise (focused) and powerful cleanser for the house. The flowers are interesting
in pot pourris (check out the Dream Potpourri) because they get darker as they
dry. Regular dianthus is a favorite for love magick; because of the Mercury
connection, black dianthus would be great for lesbian/gay love. The Victorians,
always open to goth sensibilities, especially loved this variety of dianthus.
The flowers smell like carnations, which is logical, since this plant is a type
of wild carnation. Swallowtail butterflies like this plant. This is a great plant, even if you reject monarchy
entirely. This variety has dark-smudged leaves as well as dark flowers. Top
How to grow black dianthus: Barely cover seeds to germinate in 10 days at
70F/21C. Transplant to full sun and well drained soil (no standing water) 1ft/30cm
apart. Flowers are dark blood red and 2"/5cm wide on stalks 24in/60cm tall.
They will flower the following summer, although if you are lucky, they
will flower the same year. They last 10 days as a cut flower. The plants will winter over throughout most of the United
States (zones 4-10). General growing info. Top
Sweet Dreams Potpourri
2 cups rose petals 1 cup jasmine flowers 1 cup lavender
flowers 1 cup dianthus flowers 1 cup orris root pieces
Spice up with Moon oils like camphor or clary sage. Top
The Catholic Jacobites were based primarily in the Scottish
Highlands and supported the Stuart dynasty (Bonnie Prince Charlie). For them,
the monarchy was not dependent upon the decisions of parliament but ruled due
to divine right, an older idea that was losing ground. They were defeated by
the Protestants, who made wearing tartans and kilts a capital offense and basically
destroyed Highland culture. Top
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Dianthus nigrescens Sooty Black Dianthus 80
seeds $4.00
Uses in
Witchcraft & Magic:
Honoring Gay Love Acquiring Magical Skills Dreamwork Mercury
Herb
Black Flowers
Collection (Other black
flowers)
© 2006, 2017 Harold A. Roth; No reproduction
without permission
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