Dianthus caryophyllus Carnation

Mediterranean; 80 - 90cm
Planting position: Full sun. Wind-protected planting spot. Ideal for regions with high rainfall, or given additional watering where needed. Not suited to humid areas.
Requires regular watering, keeping the soil moist. Well-draining sandy soil, enriched with compost and added lime. Applications of liquid fertiliser with first appearance of buds. Watch out for caterpillars, snails and fungal diseases.
Propagate from spring cuttings.

The carnation is highly popular with florists and for good reason. They are available in a red, pink or white, multi-petalled type that flowers for most the year, and the other type, flowering only once a year.
D. deltoides (15cm) is known as the Maiden pink and has red, pink or white spring flowers.
D. gratianopolitanus (20cm) is commonly known as the Cheddar pink, bearing flowers in pink shades and has bluish-green foliage.
D. plumarius (35cm) known as the Garden pink is a hardy, spring- and summer flowering plant. The sweetly scented blooms are available in multicoloured forms and many different colours.