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HERITAGE CARNATIONS RE-INTRODUCED AT FLOORS CASTLE GARDENS
SEARCH FOR ‘LOST’ CARNATION ‘FLOORS CASTLE’

Floors Castle today announces that it is reintroducing two important heritage carnations from the original collection first registered at Floors in 1957 and 1968 and is also partnering the development of a new perpetual flowering carnation named ‘Earl Kelso’ with carnation grower Jim Marshall of Marshalls’ Malmaisons.  It is also seeking help in discovering a cerise pink carnation ‘Floors Castle’ registered in 1970 from any grower who might be growing this historically important old cultivar.

Carnations have a history and pedigree linked to Floors Castle.  The present Duke’s father was Patron of the British National Carnation Society (BNCS) and the Head Gardener at Floors from 1946 – 1980, James Riddell, was an enthusiastic grower and exhibitor of Perpetual Carnations, winning numerous awards. He also raised a number of cultivars two or which are now being reintroduced. 

Duchess of Roxburghe (1968) pale pink self, with good scent.   It was exhibited three times at the BNCS autumn show in 1968, 1971 and 1972 each time winning the Daily Mail Challenge Cup.

Duke of Norfolk (1957) plum self with purple sheen, was reputedly named after a close friend of the Duke of Roxburghe on account of it matching the colour of his nose!

A new Perpetual Flowering Carnation, a sport of Duke of Norfolk, has been raised by Marshalls’ Malmaisons.  Launched at Hampton Court Flower Show in 2011, Earl Kelso is a creamy white self.

Commenting on the announcement of the reintroduction of carnations the Duchess of Roxburghe said;

“Carnations were a great pride and passion of both the present Duke’s father and the former Head Gardener James Riddell.  We have been anxious not to lose the links to these important old Floors varieties and have therefore decided to reintroduce them with the help of Jim Marshall who has been such a source of valuable information and knowledge”.

Floors Castle is also seeking help in finding the Carnation ‘Floors Castle’.  As it is no longer growing at Floors an appeal is being launched today to find anyone who still has this cultivar in cultivation.  Registered in 1970 it is a cerise pink self.  The Duchess has made a plea for anyone still growing the plant to come forward.  “We would be delighted to hear if anyone knows if it is being grown so we can reintroduce it to Floors.”

The carnations go on sale at Floors Castle Plant Centre from Friday 20th July 2012

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