Fringed Pink (Qu-mai,
Jove's Flower)
Dianthus superbus
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Herbaceous perennial. Native to China. The plant flowers in the
autumn of the second year, a spreading bush giving forth multitudes of
hot pink flowers with fringed margins. They emit an unforgettable
fragrance night and day that wafts for hundreds of yards. Qu-mai
is used for treatment of urinary problems and suppressed menstrual flow.
In ancient times a poultice was made of the stir-fried flowers, powdered
and mixed with the saliva of a goose. Cultivation:
Sow seed in spring and plant in moist, rich soil. Germination in about
2 weeks. Plant prefers partial shade and occasional side-dressing
with compost. Space plants 3 feet apart. Flowers
to 4 feet.
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