Carnation

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Common Name

Carnation

Scientific Name

Dianthus Caryophyllus

Plant Category

Annual, biennial and perennial

Location

Eurasia

Height

18-24 inches

Width

4-10  inches

Blooming Season

All year round

Plant Habit

Upright

Color

White to pink to purple in color

Sun

Full sun

Soil

Fertile, well- drained, slightly alkaline (pH 6.75) soil

Water

Adequate moisture required, however, take care to avoid over-watering.

Plant Characteristics

Grow big, full blooms on strong, straight stems. Carnation blooms last a long time. Petals generally clawed or serrated. There are 3 kinds of carnations: large-flowered, spray and dwarf-flowered.

Usage

Great in corsages, bouquets, and in a wide range of floral arrangements. Excellent as cut flowers.

Information

Carnations are one the most popular flowers. They are UK’s best-selling cut flowers. They are popularly favored on special occasions, especially Mother's Day and weddings. Carnations are also commonly referred to by their scientific name, "Dianthus", which means divine flower. They express love, fascination and distinction. Carnations have 5 petals and vary from white to pink to purple in color. Carnations are bisexual flowers and bloom simply or in a branched or forked cluster. The stamens on carnations can occur in one or two whorls, in equal number or twice the number of the petals. Of the several kinds of carnations, the three most common are annual carnations, border carnations and perpetual-flowering carnations.

Growing Tips

Carnations require some hours of full sun each day and they should be kept moist. Take care to avoid over-watering as this could cause foliage to turn yellow. Soil should be keep moist and preferably well-drained and fertilizer should be applied regularly. Sandy loam soil works the best. At the time of plucking the carnations, leave three to four nodes at the base and remove the stem. The plant foliage should not be exposed to the direct heat of a stove or the sun. Spent flowers should be removed promptly to promote continued blooming.

Common Problems

Insect and disease problems are infrequent. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with insecticides, repellents, or fungicide. Vascular wilts are troublesome diseases of carnations. Infected plants first develop a dull green color and eventually wilt and turn straw-color. Symptoms often appear on one section of the plant. This is frequently followed by a general wilting and death of the entire plant. Therefore, it is important to avoid planting carnations in infested soil. Careful handling of plants will avoid root injury which enables the fungus to enter the plant.