Like the classic carnations, the carnations also belong to the carnation family, but they form their own plant family. According to this, the numerous different species and varieties are also referred to as catchfly. With regard to their location and care conditions, the individual species have very different requirements. The following article will give you a practical overview.
How do you properly care for carnations?
Carnations prefer different locations depending on the species, from sunny to partially shaded, and require little to moderate water. Fertilizing is usually not necessary. Cutting and special winter protection are not required. The best way to propagate carnations is through seeds.
Which location do carnations prefer?
With regard to location alone, the needs of the individual carnation species are very different.
- Vexier carnation (Silene coronaria): full sun; not too moist, humus-rich soil
- Jupiter campion (Silene flos-jovis): full sun; not too moist, humus-rich and calcareous soil
- Cliff catchfly (Silene maritima): sunny; poor, sandy and calcareous soil
- Autumn catchfly (Silene schafta): sunny; poor, sandy and calcareous soil
- Common pitch pink (Silene viscaria): full sun; moderately nutrient-rich, lime-poor soil
- Cuckoo Campion (Silene flos-cuculi): partial shade to sunny; as moist as possible
- Red Campion (Silene dioica): partial shade to sunny; as moist as possible
- Burning Love (Silene chalcedonica): sunny; soil that is not too moist and rich in humus
How much water does the carnation need?
The water requirements of the individual species are also very different. The species that tend to grow on moist soil need a lot of water, while the others prefer it to be dry.
Do you have to fertilize carnations?
No, fertilization is usually not necessary. However, you can pamper the perennials with a little mature compost at the beginning of the growing season or when planting. The material should be well worked into the soil. Exception: This measure should not be carried out on the campion species that are more accustomed to poor soils.
When and how can you cut carnations?
Pruning the carnations is not necessary. Only withered leaves can be removed.
Which pests/diseases are common in carnations?
Carnations are often attacked by aphids. Waterlogging is also problematic because it can lead to various fungal diseases. Affected plants should be removed as quickly as possible to prevent spread.
Are carnations hardy?
All carnations are considered to be absolutely hardy and do not require any additional winter protection.
Tip
The best way to propagate all carnations is through seeds that are sown immediately after the seeds have ripened or in spring. However, the plants also self-sow readily and in large numbers.
