Carnation, Clove Pink, Border Carnation
Dianthus caryophyllus
Family: Caryophyllaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Orange, Pink, Red, White, Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Mid summer. Form: Upright or erect.
Dianthus caryophyllus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
A plant of limestone soils, it is often found on old walls in Britain.
Europe - W. and S. France. Occasionally naturalized in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
The flower petals have a strong smell of cloves and are candied, used as a garnish in salads, for flavouring fruit, fruit salads etc. They can also be used as a substitute for rose petals in making a syrup. The petals should be removed from the calyx and their bitter white base should be removed.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 2
Carnation flowers are an aromatic, stimulant herb that has been used in tonic cordials in the past to treat fevers, though this use is now obsolete. It is traditionally prescribed in European herbal medicine to treat coronary and nervous disorders. The flowers are considered to be alexiteric, antispasmodic, cardiotonic, diaphoretic and nervine. The plant has been used as a vermifuge in China.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Cardiotonic: A tonic for the heart.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Nervine: Stimulates and calms the nerves.
Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.
Other
Rating: 2
An essential oil is obtained from the flowers. It is used in perfumery. 500kg of flowers produce 100g of oil. The flowers are harvested when they are fully open in the morning, preferably after 3 hours exposure to sunlight. The flower heads are dried and used in pot-pourri, scented sachets and cosmetic products. The plant is quite rich in saponins. The leaves can be simmered in water and this water can then be used as a soap for cleaning the skin, clothes etc.
Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.
Soap: Plants used directly as a soap substitute.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Rock garden, Seashore, Specimen. Succeeds in a sunny position in most good soils tolerating a pH range from 6 to 8 but disliking acid soils. A very tolerant plant, succeeding in the salt laden air and strong winds of the coast as well as in the sulphur polluted air of cities. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to about -10°c. A very ornamental plant, the carnation is widely cultivated in the flower garden and is grown commercially in France for its essential oil. There are many named varieties. The flowers of the species have a rich clove-like perfume, though almost no scent is present in the orange and yellow-flowering cultivars. The flowers are very attractive to butterflies and moths. Plants are prone to mildew or leaf spot in humid climates. Special Features:Edible, Not North American native, Suitable for cut flowers, Fragrant flowers.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in slight heat in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 3 weeks at 15°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Layering in July. Cuttings of non-flowering basal shoots, June/July in a frame. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-8
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist