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Carnation

Dianthus Caryophyllus

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Overview

Dianthus caryophyllus, commonly known as carnation, is a perennial plant that typically grows 18 to 24 inches tall. Renowned for its ruffled, fragrant flowers in a variety of colors, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Blooming from late spring through summer, carnations are excellent for borders, containers, and as cut flowers. They prefer cooler climates and require regular watering, with soil drying slightly between. Hardy in USDA zones 7-10.

Sun Full, HalfWater MediumZones 8–10Type AnnualClimate Mediterranean
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — annual for full or half; note that their perennial nature ensures they'll enjoy this engaging flower year after year with
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — annual with pink blooms; dianthus caryophyllus requires moderate maintenance to thriveCarnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — They prefer cooler climates and require regular watering, with soil drying slightly between; regular watering, image 78Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — with a spread of approximately 12 to 18 inches; carnations can withstand slight fluctuations in temperature but, image 58Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — annual for full or halfCarnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — annual with pink blooms; dianthus caryophyllus requires moderate maintenance to thrive, image 71Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — glaucous green to blue-green foliage offers a striking contrast against the ruffled petal flowers; this classic, image 60+95

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Medium
USDA zones
8–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Annual
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Climate
Mediterranean

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Photos (102)

Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — annual for full or half; note that their perennial nature ensures they'll enjoy this engaging flower year after year with
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — annual with pink blooms; dianthus caryophyllus requires moderate maintenance to thrive
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — They prefer cooler climates and require regular watering, with soil drying slightly between; regular watering, image 78
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — with a spread of approximately 12 to 18 inches; carnations can withstand slight fluctuations in temperature but, image 58
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — annual for full or half
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — annual with pink blooms; dianthus caryophyllus requires moderate maintenance to thrive, image 71
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — glaucous green to blue-green foliage offers a striking contrast against the ruffled petal flowers; this classic, image 60
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — Carnations can withstand slight fluctuations in temperature but should be protected from extreme cold; with a spread of
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — They prefer cooler climates and require regular watering, with soil drying slightly between
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — Carnations make an excellent mid-level addition to floral beds and borders
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — with a spread of approximately 12 to 18 inches
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — is a perennial plant that typically grows 18 to 24 inches tall; carnations make an excellent mid-level addition to floral
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — is a perennial plant cherished for its vibrant blooms and rich fragrance; blooming from late spring through summer
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — note that their perennial nature ensures they'll enjoy this engaging flower year after year with proper care, image 69
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — Blooming from late spring through summer, carnations are excellent for borders, containers, and as cut flowers, image 53
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — but beware of over-saturation as it can lead to root rot; which can span 2 to 3 inches in diameter when fully, image 64
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — Carnations make an excellent mid-level addition to floral beds and borders; is a perennial plant that typically, image 59
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — Regular watering is essential; they prefer cooler climates and require regular watering, with soil drying slightly between
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — fragrant flowers in a variety of colors
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil; commonly known as carnation
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — To best educate the client; deadheading spent blooms will encourage further flowering
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — Blooming from late spring through summer, carnations are excellent for borders, containers, and as cut flowers, image 77
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — fragrant flowers in a variety of colors; extending the display from late spring through early fall
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — Dianthus caryophyllus requires moderate maintenance to thrive; annual with pink blooms
Photographs by 14 contributors

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