Their bright flower balls above filigree leaves contrast impressively with the stony force of the rock garden, gravel beds and a dry stone wall. The carnation acts as a lush problem solver in full sun, sandy, dry locations. Do you still have unanswered questions about plants and care? Then there are well-founded answers to discover here.
How do I properly care for a thrush?
The carnation (Armeria) thrives optimally in full sun locations with sandy, dry and slightly acidic soil. It requires little water and nutrients, but should be pruned and trimmed regularly to promote lush flowering.
Planting carnation correctly
If you plant early carnations in May or August/September, the cushion perennials will find ideal conditions. In a sunny, sandy, dry location, dig small pits 20-30 cm apart. If in doubt, clay-based, compacted soil is optimized with sand and fine gravel. If a previous pH test showed a result greater than 7, mix in rhododendron or leaf mold as an acidic component. Pot up the young plant and plant it in the loose soil as deep as it was previously in the nursery pot. Watering is done with soft rainwater.
Care tips
The mainstay of professional care for armeria is targeted pruning at the right time. The water and nutrient supply take a back seat. We have summarized all relevant measures for you here:
- Clean out wilted flower heads every few days
- After the first flowering period, cut back to just above the leaves
- Cut off the after-flowering down to the leaf tuft
- Do not remove the leaves close to the ground until January/February
- Watere now and then in summer dryness
- Administer starter fertilization at the end of April and after the first pruning
Considering a frost hardiness of up to -35 degrees Celsius, armeria does not require winter protection. Rather, the wintergreen foliage takes on a natural protective function. Carnations in pots of course move to a frost-proof, bright winter quarters or are planted out in the bed in autumn.read more
Which location is suitable?
The carnation is predestined for a location in full sun with loose, sandy-dry soil, as is prevalent in rock gardens, rocky steppes and on dry stone walls. Furthermore, the sunny, dry ambience of a heather garden suits the busy summer perennials well. The armeria is often used to surround gravesites in sunny locations.read more
The correct planting distance
With a planting distance of 15-20 cm, you give a sea thrush (Armeria maritima) enough space for the harmonious development of its spherical silhouette. In contrast, the broad-leaved carnation (Armeria pseudarmeria) likes a slightly greater distance from its neighbor of 25-30 cm.
What soil does the plant need?
Armeria species generally thrive in sandy-loamy soil that is humus and deeply loosely structured. The lower the lime content, the more vital the cushion perennial will be with new flower heads. It is therefore advantageous for successful cultivation if the pH value is in the acidic to neutral range of 4.5 to 7. Therefore, mix a handful of rhododendron or ericaceous soil into the potting soil as an acidic component.
When is flowering time?
The adorable flower heads stretch towards the sun with bright colors from May to July. In order to preserve the lively flowers throughout the summer, withered flowers are cleaned out as soon as possible. If the perennial is cut back to the foliage after the first flowering period, it will be reliably replanted for opulent subsequent blooms.
Cutting the carnation correctly
The striking carnation thrives all summer long, as long as withered flower balls are cut off immediately. Not only does this create a clean appearance, but it creates space for additional pops of color over the bushy foliage. Once an armeria has completed its first round of flowering, cut all stems back to just above the foliage. A portion of compost replenishes the depleted nutrient reserves. The plant then diligently replants for a magnificent re-bloom within a few weeks. The delicate, wintergreen leaves decorate the garden until February, when they are then cut off close to the ground.read more
Watering the carnation
If the summer weather corresponds to the norm with an alternation of sun and rain, further watering is unnecessary for drought-loving thrifts. Only in pot culture does the thumb test provide information about any water requirements. To meet the demand of armeria for a slightly acidic substrate, we recommend using collected rainwater or decalcified tap water.
Fertilize the carnation properly
A poor, sandy, dry soil is favorable for grass cloves. Too high a supply of nutrients tends to have a weakening effect on the level of competition with neighboring beds. Nevertheless, adding compost or horn shavings twice has a beneficial effect on the abundance of flowers at the end of April and immediately after pruning after the first flowering period.
Wintering
The carnation is equipped with robust frost hardiness. Even temperatures of -35 degrees Celsius do not cause any problems for an armeria. The wintergreen foliage also acts as a natural protective cover for the root ball. However, in the limited substrate volume of the balcony box and pot, there is a risk that the root ball will freeze. Planters with a diameter of less than 30 cm are therefore placed in a bright, frost-free winter quarters. Where this plan fails due to lack of space, resourceful hobby gardeners simply plant the perennials in the bed.
Propagate Common Grass
A propagation method without horticultural stumbling blocks is dividing the root ball. Since a grass clove is rejuvenated in the same move, this method tops the alternative sowing. Either in May or September, dig up the root ball over a large area and place it on a solid surface. Using a knife or sharp spade, cut the armeria in half. Now is the best time to cut out bare areas and rotten roots. While maintaining the previous planting depth, place the cushion perennial in the ground at the new location.read more
How do I transplant correctly?
When transplanting carnations, you kill 3 birds with one stone. The cushion perennial is rejuvenated, moves to a prepared location and can be propagated. The time window for this cultivation measure opens twice per season for Armeria. In May or August/September, dig up the rootstock, cut out aged and stunted areas, and then divide the plant into two or more segments. Plant the grass cloves again in the new, sunny location with loose, slightly acidic soil. The more precisely the previous planting depth is maintained, the more beneficial it is for rapid growth.
Beautiful varieties
- Düsseldorfer Stolz: TheArmeria maritima impresses with its lively flower color in carmine red and a spherical habit
- Armada White: The premium variety develops delicate cushions in bright white from May to July
- Flowers: A delightful dwarf armeria that contrasts beautifully with pink flowers over wintergreen foliage
- Ballerina Lilac: It towers over the popular sea thrush with its purple flower balls by up to 20 cm
- Bess Ruby: The up to 30 cm high flower stalks in rich purple rose are ideal for vase cutting
