Carnation Mix

Dianthus caryophyllus

Originates from Europe and Asia, where it grows on rocks and stony slopes. The leaves are linear, undivided, and silvery. The flowers are single, white, or pink. It blooms from June to September depending on the species.

There is an endless variety of carnations. Some decorate flower beds as perennials. Others, with their low growth, are best suited for rock gardens. Still others belong among non-frost-resistant annuals or hardy biennials.

Garden carnations are perennials that grow 60-90 cm tall. Large flowers appear from July to August. This includes species D. caryophyllus and D. plumarius.

Rock garden pinks grow in cushion-like formations. Their height ranges from 15 to 40 cm. Rock garden species of pinks include D. allwoodii, D. deltoides, and D. arenarius.

The most well-known biennial is D. barbatus (Sweet William). It reaches a height of 40 cm. The flowers come in many shades of pink, red, purple, and white. They bloom from May to July and are grown primarily for cutting.

Annual pinks come in low-growing (15-20 cm) or tall varieties (30-40 cm). The tall varieties are also excellent for cutting. The flowers can be single-colored or multicolored in shades of white, pink, and red. Annual species include D. chinensis and D. caryophyllus.

Carnations are nowadays used in various types of floral arrangements. They can be used to create wedding bouquets and look stunning as interior arrangements. Their advantage is that they last a long time, don't wilt, and don't shed petals. Low-growing pinks are particularly suitable for planters, but also for edges or borders of flower beds. Smaller pinks work excellently both as standalone plantings and in mixed containers with lobelias, low-growing marigolds, or larkspur.

How to Grow Pinks and Carnations