Perennial Carnation Home Page

The Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) is a flowering plant native to the Near East and has been cultivated for the last 2,000 years. Its original natural flower colour was pinkish-hued, but later, cultivars of other colours, including red, white, yellow and greenish, have been developedAlthough originally applied to the species Dianthus caryophyllus, the name Carnation is also often applied to some of the other species of Dianthus, and more particularly to garden hybrids between D. caryophyllus and other species in the genus. Some scholars believe that the name "carnation" comes from "coronation" or "corone" (flower garlands), as it was one of the flowers used in Greek ceremonial crowns. Others think the name stems from the Greek carnis (flesh), which refers to the original color of the flower, or incarnacyon (incarnation), which refers to the incarnation of God made flesh.

Carnations are often worn on special occasions, especially Mother's Day and weddings. They were known as "Jove's Flower" in ancient Rome as a tribute to one of their beloved gods. In Korea, a young girl places three carnations in her hair to tell her fortune. If the top flower dies first, her last years of life will be difficult; if it is the middle flower, her earlier years will bring the most grief. Worst of all, if the bottom flower dies first, the poor girl will be miserable her whole life.

Some of our Favorite Carnation's:

The Desmond Carnation Scarlet beauties bloom bountifully on 15-20" stems for months from late spring into early fall. Prized in the garden as well as in long-lasting, delicately scented bouquets for the beautiful Desmond Carnation. 12-18" spread.

Ballerina Carnation For year-round beauty and a delightful, extra-long, late spring to early fall blooming season, there are no plants like these bright, cheerful scarlet red carnations for spicing up borders, beds and rock gardens. These hardy perennials are a cinch to grow in any garden and are prized for their prolific blooms and long-lasting, delicately scented cut flowers.

Hardy Diana Carnation For year-round beauty and a delightful, extra-long, late spring to early fall blooming season, there are no plants like these bright, cheerful scarlet red carnations for spicing up borders, beds and rock gardens. These hardy perennials are a cinch to grow in any garden and are prized for their prolific blooms and long-lasting, delicately scented cut flowers.

Hardy Joy Carnation For year-round beauty and a delightful, extra-long, late spring to early fall blooming season, there are no plants like these bright, cheerful scarlet red carnations for spicing up borders, beds and rock gardens. These hardy perennials are a cinch to grow in any garden and are prized for their prolific blooms and long-lasting, delicately scented cut flowers.

Hardy Laced Romeo Carnation For year-round beauty and a delightful, extra-long, late spring to early fall blooming season, there are no plants like these bright, cheerful scarlet red carnations for spicing up borders, beds and rock gardens. These hardy perennials are a cinch to grow in any garden and are prized for their prolific blooms and long-lasting, delicately scented cut flowers.

Red Rocket Carnation For year-round beauty and a delightful, extra-long, late spring to early fall blooming season, there are no plants like these bright, cheerful scarlet red carnations for spicing up borders, beds and rock gardens. These hardy perennials are a cinch to grow in any garden and are prized for their prolific blooms and long-lasting, delicately scented cut flowers.

Planting Tips: To help avoid heat stress from the midday sun, plant your carnations in the evening or when cloudy. The hole should be dug slightly larger than the rootball in an area protected by temperature extremes. Spread the roots out evenly and work the soil in between them as you firm the planting area. Water the plant to settle the soil and add additional media if necessary.

Mulching: Mulch creates a barrier that reduces the chances of soil borne disease and fungus from coming in contact with the plants, hold moisture in the soil, keeps the roots cool and helps control weed growth. For maximum benefit, mulch the soil around the plant to about a 2 inch depth, keeping it a few inches away from the carnations stem.

Watering: Water your carnations consistently and remember that newly set carnations require more water with greater consistency than established plants which have mature root systems and built-up reserves. Water the new plants daily for a week or so and then slowly reduce the watering as the plant becomes established. Do not let the soil stay too wet, root systems need oxygen as much as moisture so make sure to check for moisture levels by digging down into the soil before you water.

Fertilizing: For long lasting carnations, fertilize in early spring each year with a good natural fertilizer. Properly maintained soil will not need heavy applications of fertilizer. It is suggested that you allow the plants a chance to establish themselves first and then add fertilizer if needed. Weak, floppy stems can result from over-fertilization.

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Dianthus
Species: D. caryophyllus



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