PerennialsDianthus caryophyllus
Carnation
The carnation is a classic garden plant with fragrant, ruffled flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. The blue-green, grass-like foliage forms a compact, cushion-shaped mound. Carnations bloom profusely from June to August and are popular with pollinators.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Height
- 30–60 cm
- Spread
- 20–40 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 5–9
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- pink, red, white
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Avoid heavy, wet soils — carnations are prone to root rot. Water moderately and allow the soil to dry between waterings. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Pruning tips
After flowering, cut the flower stems back to just above the foliage cushion. Remove dead leaves in spring. Rejuvenate by division every three years.
Good companions
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
PerennialsSalvia nemorosa
Woodland Sage
Woodland Sage is a compact perennial with striking purple-blue flower spikes blooming from June to August. It attracts plenty of bees and butterflies and works well in sunny borders. Cutting back spent flower stems often triggers a second flush of blooms.
ShrubsRosa gallica
Gallica Rose
The Gallica Rose is one of the oldest cultivated rose species, grown since the Middle Ages. Its semi-double, vivid red-pink flowers appear in June and July and carry an intense fragrance. Decorative rose hips develop after flowering.