We know of no figure of this plant, the first and only account of which is to be found in the _Hort. Kew._ of Mr. Aiton; there it is specifically described, and from thence we discover that it was introduced from the Canary Islands, where it is a native, by Mr. Masson, in 1779.
It is a shrubby plant of low growth, producing numerous fleshy leaves growing thickly together, which being evergreen, and making a pretty appearance the year through, render the plant worthy a place in all general collections at least, of greenhouse plants; and though it cannot vie with many of the more shewy high-priced novelties, it is an abiding plant, not subject to casualties, while many of those are here to day and gone to morrow.
It throws up its flowering stems, supporting numerous, starry, stonecrop-like flowers, in July and August, and is most readily propagated by cuttings.
It is one of those species of Houseleek which connect the genera _Sedum_ & _Sempervivum_.
_Cal._ cylindricus, 1-phyllus: basi squamis 4. _Petala_ 5 unguiculata. _Caps._ cylindrica, 1-locularis.
DIANTHUS _superbus_ floribus paniculatis: squamis calycinis brevibus acuminatis, corollis multifido-capillaribus, caule erecto. _Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14. Murr. p. 418._
CARYOPHYLLUS simplex alter, flore laciniato odoratissimo. _Bauh. Pin. 210._
CARYOPHYLLUS plumarius Austriacus sive superba Austriaca. The feathered Pinke of Austria. _Park. Parad. p. 316. 4._
Many of the plants of this genus diffuse an agreeable odour, which renders them most desirable objects for the flower-garden: this quality the present species possesses in a superior degree to most others; a few of its flowers communicate to a nosegay a delicate and most delicious smell, or placed in a vial of water they will even scent a small apartment[B]: it is to be regretted, however, that the blossoms, unless placed in water, from their extreme delicacy, flag soon after they are gathered.
It may be doubted whether the _Dianthus superbus_ of _Miller's Dict. ed. 6. 4to._ be our plant; if it be, the description is not drawn up with that accuracy which distinguishes his descriptions in general; the mode of culture, however, which he recommends is strictly applicable to it, as the plant rarely continues in vigour more than two years, and as it is in its greatest beauty the first year of its flowering, he recommends that young plants should be annually raised for succession from seeds, which are plentifully produced; the seeds of this plant ought therefore to be kept in the shops with annuals and biennials.