Carnation
Dianthus spp.
Also known as
Pinks, Flower of the gods
Spring Flowers by AutoGyro (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Frost Hardy
H7-H4
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 50cm |
10cm | Min | 10cm |
2 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a strong fragrance
More images of Carnation
Carnation Overview
The genus Dianthus contains around 338 semi-evergreen or evergreen perennial, annual and biennial species of herbaceous plants and subshrubs with woody stems. They are known by the general name Carnation. Usually grown for their strongly scented, highly colourful, filly, 5-petalled flowers, these plants are well placed in rock gardens. Most species display different shades of pink and white flowers, but one is known to have yellow and purple flowers. Dianthus plants mainly originate from Europe and Asia, with some species found in North Africa and one arctic species, Dianthus repens is found in North America. There are many colourful, cultivated forms of this genus and they are common garden plants. Short-lived perennial species are best propagated by division, cuttings or layering. Most species can be grown from seed.
Common problems with Carnation
How to propagate Carnation
Cuttings
Layering
Seed
Division
Special features of Carnation
Attractive flowers
Other uses of Carnation
Grown for their mass of flowers, often scented, some of which are excellent for cutting. Suitable for coastal conditions.
Chalk Soil Plants - Top 20
These plants will thrive in the free draining conditions created by chalky soils.
Explore allFlowers - Sow Under Cover in June
Thinking ahead to next year - sow these seeds for early spring and summer colour.
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