Clove Pink, Gilliflower, Carnation
Dianthus caryophyllus

Family: Caryophyllaceae

What it is like

A tufted plant which keeps growing from year to year. It grows 50-80 cm high and spreads 20-40 cm wide. The leaves are grey-blue and sheathed. The stems are wiry and spreading. The flower heads are upright. They have a strong smell. The flowers are pink.

There are 320 Dianthus species.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. It is best in light to medium, well-drained soil. It needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to drought and frost. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Canada, Caucasus, Central Asia, China, Ecuador, Europe, France, Greece, Hawaii, India, Italy, Korea, Mediterranean, Monaco, Micronesia, Myanmar, Netherlands, North America, Pacific, Pakistan, Palau, Sardinia, SE Asia, Sicily, Slovenia, South America, Spain, Tajikistan, USA, Vietnam, Yugoslavia

How it is used for food

The flowers are used as herbs for flavouring food. They smell of clove. They are candied and also used to garnish fruit salads, ice creams and in drinks. The bitter white bottom of the petals needs to be taken off.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Flowers - flavouring

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. It can also be grown by cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Clavel, Clavel blanco, Clavel rojo, Grenadine, Picotee, Vrtni nageljček, Zaw-hmwa-gyi

Synonyms

Dianthus acinifolius Schur; Dianthus arvuscula Lindl.; Dianthus arrectus Dumort.; Dianthus binatus Schur; Dianthus coronarius (L.) Burm.f.; Dianthus corsicus Link ex Spreng.; and others