Dianthus caryophyllus
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- dy-AN-thus kar-ee-oh-FIL-us
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Carnations are a herbaceous perennial that can be grown as an annual. They prefer cooler summer climates and moist, well-drained gritty soils high in organic matter. There are many carnation cultivars and varieties in many colors and sizes. A taller variety of carnations (3' to 4') is grown for the florist industry and may be used as cut flowers and boutonnieres. Carnations are a good choice to add great color to the sunny border or a container on the patio. The bloom time can be prolonged by deadheading spent blossoms and pinching out the center of the plant will promote bushy growth.
Carnations are intolerant of high heat and might be a poor choice for the southern garden. They bloom in midsummer. preferring sun, but cool temperatures and moist well-drained soils that are neutral to slightly alkaline.
Rust and crown rot can be problems.
They are the host plant for the larvae of several moths, including the Cabbage moth (Mamestra brassicae) and the Large yellow underwing (Noctua pronuba).
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Dianthus
- Species:
- caryophyllus
- Family:
- Caryophyllaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Flowers have been used in tonic cordials in the past to treat fevers. An essential oil is obtained from the flowers. It is traditionally prescribed in European herbal medicine to treat coronary and nervous disorders.
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Mediterranean area but exact range unknown
- Wildlife Value:
- Pollinated by moths and butterflies.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Colorful
- Fragrance
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Edibility:
- Flowers are edible.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Perennial
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Orange
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- Variegated
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Head
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Fragrant
- Good Cut
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Saucer
- Flower Petals:
- 7 - 20 petals/rays
- more than 20 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- Semi to double fragrant blooms grow in loose cymes on stiff, elongate peduncles. The flowers have ruffled petals in many colors with a cylindrical calyx and few bracts. The stamens are often petaloid.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Blue
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Waxy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Linear
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Narrow grey-green or blue-green strap-like leaves are up to 6 inches long, paired and joined at nodes: Opposite, simple, sheathing, linear, thick, flattened, keeled.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Branched, nodes appear swollen, conspicuous, with stipular scar.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Patio
- Small Space
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Cottage Garden
- Cutting Garden
- Edible Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Moths
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Rabbits
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
