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Dianthus caryophyllus is often confused with:
Dianthus chinensis Dianthus chinensis
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Dianthus Flowers
Dianthus barbatus Dianthus barbatus
Dianthus chinensis x barbatus Flowers

Dianthus caryophyllus

Phonetic Spelling
dy-AN-thus kar-ee-oh-FIL-us
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

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:
Tags:
#cultivars#showy flowers#deciduous#full sun tolerant#fragrant flowers#white flowers#purple flowers#pink flowers#red flowers#moth caterpillar host#yellow flowers#edible flowers#medicinal#colorful#orange flowers#rabbit resistant#well-drained soil#rich soils#deer resistant#herbaceous perennial#border planting#cutting garden#pollinator plant#butterfly friendly#fringed flowers#partial shade tolerant#HS302#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#container plant#perennial#patio#herb garden#moth friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#cultivars#showy flowers#deciduous#full sun tolerant#fragrant flowers#white flowers#purple flowers#pink flowers#red flowers#moth caterpillar host#yellow flowers#edible flowers#medicinal#colorful#orange flowers#rabbit resistant#well-drained soil#rich soils#deer resistant#herbaceous perennial#border planting#cutting garden#pollinator plant#butterfly friendly#fringed flowers#partial shade tolerant#HS302#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#container plant#perennial#patio#herb garden#moth friendly
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Perennial
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
  • 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
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Branched, nodes appear swollen, conspicuous, with stipular scar.
  • 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
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Mild gastrointestinal signs, mild dermatitis
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Unknown irritant
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No