Dianthus caryophyllus (border carnation) — Perennial

Overview

Dianthus caryophyllus is a perennial in the genus Dianthus, part of the Caryophyllaceae family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall and 0.3 m wide. Dianthus caryophyllus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and 6.0-7.5 pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and rock gardens. It is native to Mediterranean region.

About

Dianthus caryophyllus is a perennial grown for its fragrant flowers and extended bloom from May to September. Plants form upright stems to about 1.0 m with a 0.3 m spread. Position in full sun on a south-facing site in sandy, loamy or clay soils that are moist but well-drained, pH 6.0–7.5. Wear gloves when handling as flowers and foliage can be a skin allergen.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dianthus caryophyllus

About the genus

Dianthus is a genus of about 340 species of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae, native mainly to Europe and Asia, with a few species in northern and southern Africa, and one species (D. repens) in arctic North America. Common names include carnation (D.

Wikipedia contributors, "Dianthus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dianthus

In the garden

Dianthus caryophyllus is a member of the Caryophyllaceae and originates from the Mediterranean region. It is cultivated for its scented flowers and long display, reliably flowering from May to September in UK conditions. Mature plants typically reach around 1.0 m tall with a 0.3 m spread and carry the upright stems associated with border varieties. Give it a sunny, south-facing spot and a free-draining soil; it tolerates sandy, loamy and clay types provided drainage is reasonable and soil pH sits between 6.0 and 7.5. Soil should be moist but well-drained rather than waterlogged. It is rated H6 for UK hardiness (very hardy) and also suits USDA zones 6–8. Use Dianthus caryophyllus towards the front or middle of a mixed border, in rock gardens or grown specifically for cutting — stems make good cut flowers. Be aware the plant can be a skin allergen, so wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling; for advice on pets and possible hazards consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dianthus

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
Soil moisture: Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing
Exposure: Full sun
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Dianthus caryophyllus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Height: 1.0 m
Spread: 0.3 m
Suggested uses: Borders, Cut flowers, Rock gardens
Native to: Mediterranean region
Fragrance: Flower
Toxicity: Humans/Pets: Skin allergen, wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dianthus caryophyllus

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil, avoid waterlogging, deadhead spent flowers to encourage blooming
Pruning: Deadhead regularly; cut back after flowering to maintain shape
Propagation: Cuttings, Division, Seeds

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Dianthus caryophyllus?

Prefers well-drained soil, avoid waterlogging, deadhead spent flowers to encourage blooming.

Where is the best place to plant Dianthus caryophyllus?

Dianthus caryophyllus prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Dianthus caryophyllus need?

Dianthus caryophyllus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers 6.0-7.5 soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Dianthus caryophyllus?

Deadhead regularly; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.

How big does Dianthus caryophyllus grow?

Dianthus caryophyllus reaches a height of 1.0 m and a spread of 0.3 m.

Is Dianthus caryophyllus hardy in the UK?

Dianthus caryophyllus has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Dianthus caryophyllus?

Cuttings, Division, Seeds.

Is Dianthus caryophyllus toxic?

Humans/Pets: Skin allergen, wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.

More in the Dianthus genus

Browse all Dianthus →