Botanical Features
- Family: Caryophyllaceae
- Genus: Dianthus (from the Greek words ‘dios’ meaning ‘god’ and ‘anthos’ meaning ‘flower’, suggesting a divine flower)
- Species: caryophyllus (from the Greek ‘karyon’ meaning ‘nut’ and ‘phyllon’ meaning ‘leaf’, referring to the shape of the leaves in some species)
Dianthus caryophyllus, commonly known as carnation or clove pink, is a species of Dianthus native to the Mediterranean region. Its exact natural range is uncertain due to extensive cultivation over the last 2,000 years. Carl Linnaeus described the carnation in volume one of his Species Plantarum in 1753, giving it the name Dianthus caryophyllus.
Carnations are prized for their vibrant colors, delicate fringed petals, and enchanting fragrance. The scent of carnations is often described as spicy, clove-like, or reminiscent of a combination of cinnamon and nutmeg, hence the common name “clove pink”. This delightful aroma has made carnations a popular choice for use in perfumes, potpourri, and scented products.
Carnations are perennial plants, but many are grown as annuals or biennials in cooler climates. They grow as herbaceous plants, with some species forming small shrubs. Depending on the variety, carnations can range in height from 10 cm to over 60 cm. Standard carnations used for cutting can grow even taller. The leaves are narrow, linear to lanceolate, with a blue-green hue. They are opposite each other on the stem and are often slightly fleshy. The wild carnation is found in the Mediterranean countries of Portugal, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Albania, Greece and Turkey.
Flower Characteristics
- Flower Form: Carnations have flowers that can be single, semi-double, or fully double. The petals are often fringed or serrated at the edges, which is one of their distinguishing features.
- Petals: Typically, there are five petals, but in double-flowered varieties, the number can increase significantly, sometimes reaching over a hundred in very full varieties.
- Colors: Carnations come in a wide array of colors including white, red, pink, yellow, purple, and various bicolors. Some varieties might also appear green or orange.
- Fragrance: Many carnations have a distinctive spicy scent, reminiscent of cloves, hence the common name “clove pink.”
- Bloom Size: The flowers can range from small (about 2 cm in diameter in some species) to quite large (up to 6 cm or more in cultivated varieties).
- Blooming Season: They usually bloom in the late spring to summer, but with modern breeding, there are varieties that can bloom almost year-round.
Cultivation
- Propagation: Carnations are propagated via seeds, cuttings, or layering. For genetic consistency, many commercial varieties are propagated by vegetative means.
- Care: Deadheading spent flowers encourages more blooms, and cutting back after flowering can help maintain plant vigor.
- Pests and Diseases: They can be susceptible to aphids, slugs, and fungal diseases like rust and fusarium wilt. Proper spacing and air circulation can mitigate some of these issues.
Types of Carnations
Dianthus caryophyllus (Standard Carnation)
- Characteristics: Often referred to as the “garden carnation” or “florist’s carnation.” These have large, solitary flowers at the end of long stems. Flowers can be up to 5-6 cm in diameter, with fringed petals. They come in a variety of colors including red, pink, white, yellow, and bi-color patterns.
- Origin: Native to the Mediterranean, carnations have been cultivated for over 2,000 years, with significant early cultivation in Greece and Rome, used in garlands and ceremonial crowns.
Dianthus barbatus (Sweet William)
- Characteristics: Produces clusters of small, sweetly scented flowers in dense, flat-topped clusters. Colors range from pink, red, to purple with some bi-color varieties. It’s shorter than standard carnations, typically growing 30-70 cm tall.
- Origin: Originally from southern Europe and parts of Asia, Sweet William has been popular in gardens for centuries due to its fragrance and colorful blooms.
Dianthus plumarius (Cottage or Garden Pink)
- Characteristics: Known for its double or semi-double flowers with fringed petals, often in shades of pink, white, or red. This variety is perennial and has a sweet, clove-like fragrance.
- Origin: From central and eastern Europe, it was a common garden plant in cottage gardens, hence the name “Cottage Pink.”
Dianthus chinensis (Chinese Pink)
- Characteristics: Features small, single flowers with fringed edges, usually in pink, red, or white. It’s often grown as an annual or biennial in gardens.
- Origin: Native to northern China, Korea, Mongolia, and southeastern Russia. It’s been used in Chinese gardens for its beauty and as a symbol of love.
Dianthus gratianopolitanus (Cheddar Pink)
- Characteristics: Low-growing with vivid pink flowers that have a spicy fragrance. Flowers are single with fringed edges.
- Origin: Originates from the Cheddar Gorge in England, hence its name, but it’s now found in various parts of Europe.
Dianthus superbus (Fringed Pink)
- Characteristics: Known for its very fringed or lacy petals, these flowers can be lavender, pink, or white, and they have a sweet scent.
- Origin: Native to Europe and Asia, this species is particularly noted for its decorative petals.
Dianthus alpinus (Alpine Pink)
- Characteristics: A low-growing, mat-forming perennial with small, pink to deep rose flowers with notched petals. It’s very hardy, suitable for rock gardens.
- Origin: Found in the Alps and other mountainous regions of Europe, where it grows in rocky habitats.
Dianthus deltoides (Maiden Pink)
- Characteristics: Produces many small, bright pink flowers with a darker ring at the base of the petals. It spreads rapidly, making it good for ground cover.
- Origin: Native to Europe and Asia, it’s naturalized in North America where it’s often seen in meadows and along roadsides.
Dianthus armeria (Deptford Pink)
- Characteristics: Has small, solitary, pink flowers with a deep pink spot in the center. It’s an annual or biennial with a spreading nature.
- Origin: Common in Europe but has naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America.
Dianthus ‘Raspberry Parfait’ (Hybrid Carnation)
- Characteristics: A hybrid variety with large, fluffy, raspberry pink flowers edged in white. It’s known for its long blooming period and sweet fragrance.
- Origin: Created through selective breeding, this variety doesn’t have a natural origin but is a result of human cultivation for ornamental purposes.
Dianthus ‘Green Trick’ (Green Carnation)
- Characteristics: Unlike typical carnations, ‘Green Trick’ features ball-shaped flowers composed entirely of green bracts, resembling a small green pom-pom. It’s often used in floral arrangements for its unique look.
- Origin: A hybrid developed for its novel appearance, not for traditional carnation traits like fragrance or color variation.
Dianthus ‘Arctic Fire’
- Characteristics: This variety boasts white flowers with flaming red centers, creating a striking contrast. The flowers are typically double, giving them a full, fluffy appearance.
- Origin: A modern hybrid, bred for both its aesthetic appeal in gardens and cut flower arrangements.
Dianthus ‘Rainbow Loveliness’
- Characteristics: Known for its multicolored, fringed petals that can display combinations of pink, red, white, and occasionally yellow or orange. The flowers have a light, sweet scent.
- Origin: Developed through selective breeding to create a variety with a wide range of colors in a single plant.
Dianthus ‘Firewitch’ (Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Feuerhexe’)
- Characteristics: This variety has single, bright magenta flowers with a spicy fragrance, often used in rock gardens or as ground cover. It’s known for its heat tolerance and vibrant color.
- Origin: A cultivar of Dianthus gratianopolitanus, it has become popular for its robust nature and vivid bloom.
Dianthus ‘Coconut Punch’
- Characteristics: This perennial produces large, frilly white flowers with deep burgundy centers, resembling a coconut punch in color. It’s noted for its strong, sweet fragrance.
- Origin: A modern hybrid, bred for both its ornamental value and fragrance.
Dianthus ‘Kahori’
- Characteristics: Small, pink flowers with a spiced fragrance. It blooms over a long period, often from spring into fall. ‘Kahori’ means “fragrance” in Japanese.
- Origin: A hybrid developed for continuous blooming and strong scent, popular in both garden settings and containers.
Dianthus ‘Sweetness’ Series
- Characteristics: This series includes varieties with large, fully double flowers in various colors like white, pink, and red, all with a sweet scent. They are often more heat-tolerant than other carnations.
- Origin: A group of hybrids bred for their larger flowers, improved heat tolerance, and delightful fragrance.
Dianthus ‘Chabaud’
- Characteristics: Known for its large, fully double flowers that come in a range of colors including pink, red, white, and bi-colors. Flowers have a strong, clove-like scent.
- Origin: Named after a French horticulturist who popularized these varieties in the 19th century, they are a classic choice for cut flowers.
Dianthus ‘Jolt’ Series
- Characteristics: This series is recognized for its heat tolerance and bright, neon-like colors such as cherry, pink, and orange. The flowers are large, semi-double, and have a mild fragrance.
- Origin: Developed to perform well in hot summer conditions, making them suitable for regions with challenging growing conditions.
Dianthus ‘Telstar’ Series
- Characteristics: Known for its compact growth and large, double flowers in various colors. It’s particularly popular for its uniformity and the fact that it makes an excellent cut flower.
- Origin: A series of hybrids designed for the florist market, bred for their flower quality, stem strength, and longevity both in the vase and in the garden.
Dianthus ‘Corona’ Series
- Characteristics: This series is known for producing flowers with very large, puffy blooms on long, sturdy stems, making them ideal for cutting. Colors can include vibrant pink, red, white, and bi-color. The flowers are fully double with a pleasant fragrance.
- Origin: Developed for the cut flower market, the ‘Corona’ series focuses on bloom size, stem strength, and vase life.
Dianthus ‘Fancy Frills’
- Characteristics: ‘Fancy Frills’ carnations are notable for their intensely ruffled, double blooms. They come in a variety of colors, often variegated with white or a contrasting color at the petal edges, giving them a lacy appearance. These carnations have a sweet, spicy scent.
- Origin: A hybrid bred for its unique petal form, making it a standout in garden beds and as a cut flower.
Dianthus ‘Raspberry Surprise’
- Characteristics: This variety features stunning, raspberry-red petals with a white picotee edge, creating a dramatic contrast. The flowers are double, large, and have a clove-like fragrance. It’s a perennial that blooms in late spring to early summer, with potential for rebloom.
- Origin: Bred to offer a striking visual impact with its color combination, suitable for both garden settings and floral arrangements.
Dianthus ‘Ideal Violet’
- Characteristics: A type of ‘Ideal’ series carnation, ‘Ideal Violet’ has deep purple flowers that are semi-double with a serrated edge, giving them a delicate, textured look. They’re known for their strong, spicy scent.
- Origin: Part of a series developed for their vivid colors and garden performance, ‘Ideal Violet’ adds a rich hue to the palette of available carnations.