The undemanding carnations are among the most popular perennials both in the garden and on balconies. There are an estimated 27,000 different varieties worldwide, some of which differ greatly in growth, flower color and shape. We would like to introduce you to some of the most beautiful ornamental carnations here.
What types of carnations are there?
Some beautiful types of carnations are heather carnations, peony carnations, feather carnations, bearded carnations and chartreuse carnations. They differ in growth, flower color and shape and are suitable for gardens, balconies, rock and gravel gardens or as cut flowers.
Heather pinks (Dianthus deltoides)
The heather carnation, native to Europe and parts of Asia, is a mat-forming perennial, up to 20 centimeters high and up to 30 centimeters wide, with narrow, dark green leaves up to one and a half centimeters long. Between June and September, red, bright pink or white flowers appear on the short, leafy stems, sometimes with a darker eye. The petals are serrated at the edge.
Pentecost carnations (Dianthus gratianopolitanus)
The Peony carnation is a creeping, mat-forming perennial with grass-green leaves up to five centimeters long. In May and June, small, about three centimeters wide and strongly fragrant flowers with slightly hairy, toothed petals appear on short shoots. The plant fits perfectly in sunny rock and gravel gardens, but also on dry stone walls and in balcony boxes.
Recommended peony carnation varieties
| Variety | Bloom | Growth height |
|---|---|---|
| Badenia | bright dark red, unfilled | 10cm |
| Eydangeri | carmine pink, unfilled | 15cm |
| La Bourboule | violet pink, unfilled | 5cm |
| La Bourboule Blanche | pure white, unfilled | 5cm |
| Miracle | light pink with red eye, unfilled | 15cm |
| Nordstjernen | pink red, unfilled | 15cm |
| Ohrid | pure white, semi-double | 10cm |
| Pink feather | pink, slit petals | 20cm |
| Ruby | ruby red, unfilled | 10cm |
| Whatfield Gem | pink, deep red inside, filled | 10cm |
Feather carnations (Dianthus plumarius)
Feather carnations form loose mats with bluish green, narrow leaves. Individual, strongly scented flowers with fringed petals appear on wiry stems in June and July. The perennial, native to southeastern Europe, is suitable for the edge of borders, for borders, for rock and gravel gardens and as a cut flower. The species is the ancestor of many carnations.
Recommended spring carnation varieties
| Variety | Bloom | Growth height |
|---|---|---|
| Alba Plena | white, filled | 30cm |
| Annabelle | pink with red ring | 40 cm |
| Barlow Sam | white with red-brown eye, filled | 20cm |
| Devon Cream | cream yellow | 40 cm |
| Doris | salmon pink with red center | 30cm |
| Gran’s Favorite | white with pink center and light banding | 35cm |
| Haytor Rock | light pink with darker stripes | 35cm |
| Ine | white with red ring | 25 cm |
| May snow | white, filled | 25 cm |
| Munot | bright red, filled | 20cm |
| W altham’s Beauty | red with white ring | 30cm |
Bearded carnations (Dianthus barbatus)
Bearded carnations are mostly biennial perennials that grow between 30 and 70 centimeters high and have dark green, elongated leaves. The inflorescences typically only appear in the second year, with the plant blooming between June and September.
Carthusian carnations (Dianthus carthusianorum)
The Carthusian carnation is also known as the stone carnation. The perennial grows to a height of between 15 and 45 centimeters and has only a few leaves. The terminal flowers appear between June and September. The species is considered to be particularly hardy.
Tip
The garden or noble carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) originally comes from the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated since ancient times not only as an ornamental plant, but also for medicinal purposes. Nowadays the species is often sold as a cut flower.