Botanical Name: Dianthus caryophyllus
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Common Name: Border Carnation  
Plant photo of: Dianthus caryophyllus
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Water Saving Tip:

Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.

Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Annual

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Pink, Red, White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Blue Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Fast, Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Patio, Raised Planter

 

Special Uses

Container, Cut Flowers

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:
  • Description

  • Notes

Border carnations or a tender carnation typically used as annuals in our harsh winter climate. They have all the characteristics of the tougher dianthus, such as fragrant flowers, an array of pinks and reds, attractive blue-grey foliage, and a dense mounding habit, but without the AI nice choice to edge borders or pathways, or in containers.
Grow in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Superior soil drainage is the key to growing these plants well; heavy clay soils must be amended prior to planting. these plants are often grown from seed and treated as an annual in cold winter climates. Not as low-water as are their perennial cousins.