Somewhat forgotten, the romantic-looking carnations are currently experiencing a revival as vase and garden flowers. No wonder, as the pretty, permanent bloomers are extremely adaptable and easy to cultivate. Thanks to countless new varieties, carnations vary in color, scent and flower shape and can therefore be perfectly integrated into any flower bed.
What care does the carnation need in the garden?
The carnation (Dianthus spec.) is a versatile and adaptable flower that comes in a variety of colors, scents and flower shapes. It prefers loose, nutrient-rich soil and lots of sunlight, is hardy and requires little water and fertilizer. Diseases and pests are rare with proper care.
Plant profile:
Systematics
- Botanical name: Dianthus spec.
- Order: Caryophyllales
- Family: Caryophyllaceae
- Genus: Carnations
Botanical
- Growth: Clumpy, upright or in flat cushions of dense rhizomes
- Growth height: Five to thirty centimeters
- Main flowering period: May to September
- Flower: Serrated, notched or slit petals
- Flower color: white, pink, red, purple, yellow, orange, also two-tone
- Leaves: Simple opposite, lanceolate to ovate
Known carnation species
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Carnation | Popular cottage garden plant. Grows to a height of around 50 centimeters and has a flat inflorescence with many individual flowers. |
| Chinese carnation | Variety of flower colors, mostly multicolored crown, very pleasant scent. |
| Feather carnation | Delicate, feathery cut petals, intense scent. |
| Carnation | Fit perfectly into the perennial bed thanks to their breeding diversity. |
| Carthusian Carnation | Blooms bright pink and is a popular insect pasture. |
Origin
The carnations were originally native to the temperate areas of Eurasia, where they are often found in difficult locations such as dry, sandy soils or moist water edges.
Carnations have been cultivated as ornamental plants since ancient times. Thanks to new breeding, there are now more than 27,000 varieties.
Location and substrate
Cloves prefer loose, nutrient-rich soil without permanent waterlogging. As typical sun children, you need a lot of light. Since these requirements can also be easily met in a planter on the terrace or balcony, they are ideal for container cultivation.
Wintering
Perennial carnation species are completely hardy. If you protect the plants from the icy weather with brushwood, even cold frosts will not harm them.
Watering and fertilizing
Because the narrow foliage of the carnations is surrounded by a protective wax layer, they evaporate very little moisture. So you can safely be economical when it comes to watering. It is sufficient if you additionally water during dry periods.
Cloves react to too many nutrients with long, soft shoots. The permanent bloomers also become susceptible to pests and fungal diseases. For this reason, you can avoid fertilizing. Only provide perennial carnation plants with ripe compost in spring.
Diseases and pests
Carnations are extremely robust if cared for properly. Only aphids and snails can become a problem.
Tip
The main root of the cloves extends far into the earth and only branches a little. For this reason they are difficult to divide. If you want to propagate cloves, you should cut cuttings or collect the seeds and plant them in the location you choose.
