Species carnation

carnation

Dianthus (Allwoodii Alpinus Group)

The Carnation (Dianthus Allwoodii Alpinus Group) is an evergreen perennial, which adds beauty to any garden. Its clusters of delicate flowers come in a variety of shades, from white to pink to yellow, each heavily fringed and deliciously scented. The flowers bloom in spring and summer, sweetening up the garden with their aroma, and stay attractive all year since they look fresh even in winter. The extraordinary shade-tolerance of this plant makes it an exceptional selection for almost any location in the garden. Carnations require little maintenance and are easy to propagate. They are long-lasting and remain in bloom for weeks, which makes them an incredible addition to outdoor spaces.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 8

Flowers:

White (double) Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

watering

Carnations need to be watered regularly to keep their soil moist, but not overly saturated. During the growing season, water the carnations at least once a week, or when the top inch of soil is dry. During periods of hot weather, give them additional watering as needed. Be sure to water the soil deeply, and avoid wetting the foliage, which can cause disease. When watering, make sure the water does not directly contact the flower head as this can damage it. During the winter months, reduce the amount of water as the plant is dormant.

sunlight

Carnation (Dianthus (Allwoodii Alpinus Group)) plants prefer a lot of sunlight, with up to 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day in its optimal growing environment. When grown outdoors, this plant should be placed in an area of the garden that receives full sun all day. For outdoor plants, try to provide morning to mid-day sun, especially during peak summer days when the temperatures soar. When grown indoors, place them in an area with a lot of sun such as a south-facing window. Provide indirect sunlight to prevent over-exposure. The optimal range of sunlight for a carnation plant is between 10-14 hours of daylight.

pruning

When to prune carnations depends on the type and condition of the plants. For all carnation cultivars grown from cuttings, pinch back the growth tips of the shoots during early and middle summer to promote lateral branching of the shoots and to encourage better flowering. When the plants become too tall or leggy, prune back the stems to encourage new side shoots. Carnations that were not grown from cuttings, should be pruned back every spring to encourage new growth and to improve the health of the plant. To do this, cut back the stems by 1/3 or 1/2 of the previous year’s growth. Following the spring pruning, carnation stems may be further trimmed or pinched back to shape the plants, if desired. Doing so helps even out height and keeps the plants looking neat and healthy. Finally, some carnation cultivars may need to be cut back even more severely. When deadheading, or removing spent blooms, cut the stem back to just above a set of healthy green leaves, or to the base of the stem. This should be done early in the season to encourage new growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Dianthus (Allwoodii Alpinus Group) typically start flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Dianthus (Allwoodii Alpinus Group) typically start flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is carnation perennial plant?

Yes, carnations are a type of perennial plant. Most carnations grown for cut flowers are Dianthus caryophyllus, with other species and hybrids available as garden plants. They normally reach heights of about 25-60cm, although some varieties can be up to 90cm tall. Carnations tend to bloom from spring to autumn and require full sun, well-drained soil, and plenty of food and water throughout the summer.

Could Carnations survive in a cold climate?

Carnations are a hardy flower that do have the potential to survive in a cold climate. However, they prefer a mild, temperate climate with temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius, so in order to best care for them in a cold climate, you should provide a small, sheltered area that keeps the cold out and insulates the flowers adequately. It is also important to ensure the soil does not freeze and does not get too wet. If possible, try insulating the soil and keeping it in a spot that gets some sunlight throughout the day. With the proper care and a good environment, Carnations can remain healthy during cold winter months.

Should I deadhead my carnations?

Yes, you should deadhead your carnations. Deadheading carnations is important for the health of your plants. Deadheading removes spent flowers and stimulates new growth, which will help your carnations look their best. It also encourages your carnations to produce more flowers. In addition, deadheading helps to prevent self-seeding, which can lead to an overgrowth of carnations where you don't want them. To deadhead, pinch off any spent flowers right at the base. Be sure to wear gloves if you have sensitive skin.

How long do carnation bloom?

Carnations are generally quite resilient flowers and can bloom for up to two months or longer when cared for properly. When taken care of, carnations cut for bouquets and arrangements can last for up to two weeks. If placed in a vase, high-quality carnations can last for up to a month, depending on environmental factors like temperature, light and water.

Do carnations have a strong scent?

Carnations have a mild scent that is not as powerful as some other flowers, such as roses. The scent of a carnation will be strongest in warmer weather and will be more subtle and muted in colder temperatures. Some types of carnations, such as those with a high percentage of geraniol, will be more fragrant, but these are generally less common in gardens and bouquets.

Can carnation be grown from seeds?

Yes, carnations can be grown from seeds. The seeds should be planted in a warm area as soon as possible after they are harvested from the plant. The soil should be kept damp and warm throughout the germination process. Typically, a seedling will emerge from the seed after about two weeks and it will take up to a year for the plant to reach full maturity. Some gardeners recommend covering the seed with a thin layer of soil and then keeping it moist until the seedling appears. After that, plenty of sun, water, and fertilizer should be used to nurture the growth of the carnation.

Can carnations be grown indoors?

Yes, carnations can be grown indoors. They must be kept in a sunny location with plenty of light and a well-draining soil. They should also be protected from drafts and strong winds. Indoor grown carnations should be watered often and should be placed in a spot that does not get too dry or too humid. Carnations should also be fertilized every month to ensure optimal growth. Taking these steps will ensure that your carnations can thrive indoors!

Is Carnation a good plant for cutting flowers?

Yes, Carnations are an excellent option for cutting flowers. They have large, fragrant blooms that come in nearly every color, making them a great addition to any fresh bouquet. Furthermore, they are relatively cheap compared to other options and last a surprisingly long time even when cut. Carnations fill their vase with a unique appearance and make a home or occasion look instantly beautiful.