Carnation

Dianthus caryophyllus
( Border Carnation, Clove Pink, Divine Flower )

Plant Type: Perennial Uses: Cutting Bed, Border, Fragrance Propagation: Seeds, Stem cuttings Habit: Upright, Bushy Light: Full Sun, Part Shade Flower Color: Various Blooms: Spring through fall Width: 1 ft.; Height: 1.5 - 2 ft. Fertility: Rich, Moderately Rich Soil: Alkaline, Neutral, Well-drained USDA Zone: 8 - 11

The carnation has been in cultivation for more than 20 centuries. Now that's staying power! The sweet fragrance and lovely blooms above the deep blue-green foliage have made this a favorite with florists and gardeners the world around. The red form of the American carnation is the state flower of Ohio.  

Carnations are prized for their long blooming seasons and long-lasting cut flowers. Their foliage, which grows in dense grasslike tufts, is evergreen. Although Dianthus species vary from 2 inches to 3 feet tall in height, the best garden varieties are mostly 10 to 20 inches tall.

 The border carnation, 1 1/2 to 2 feet tall, belongs to the same species as the greenhouse carnation, but is better suited to cold winters outdoors.  The border pink grows 12 to 15 inches tall and bears 1 1/2-inch single, double or fringed blossoms in pink, rose, purple and white in mid-to late spring.

Border carnations grow as perennials in Zones 8-10, and  need full sun.  However high heat and humidity will sometimes take a toll, so in these climates try a partially shaded spot. In tropical zones (9-11), this plant may be grown as a winter-flowering perennial.  Carnations do best in a well-drained, light sandy soil. Plant Dianthus species 12 to 18 inches apart. The crown, or top of the root structure, must be level with the surface of the soil; never bury any part of the stems. The plants should not be mulched; their tender root tops and trailing stems require good air circulation at all times and must be kept as free from moisture as possible. New plants can be started from seeds sown in spring or early summer to flower the following year or from stem cuttings made in early summer; such plants are best moved to the garden in the fall. Carnations usually lose their vigor after their second flowering and should be replaced.