The Main Plant entry for Dianthus

There are over 300 species of Carnations, and hundreds more hybrid varieties. Although the hybrids come in many different colors, the most common colors are white, pink and red. Most have a sweet spicy scent.

There are annual, biennial and perennial varieties of carnations.

Carnations are used in flower beds, borders, rock gardens and containers, such as pots, and are one of the longest-lasting cut flowers.

Cuttings taken from the terminal growth can also be used to propagate Carnations. The cuttings, varying from four to six inches long, are taken, and the basal leaves of at least two to three nodes are removed. The cuttings are then inserted in pure sand. The lower leaves must not touch the surface. Cuttings will be ready for transplantation in 25 to 30 days.This method is preferable in the case of perennial Carnations.

Carnations can also be grown by division to rejuvenate older plants. Dig up an entire clump and pull it apart using your hands to separate the plant segments, or use two gardening forks, inserted in the center of the clump, to gently pry the plant apart. Replant each new division as you would a new perennial or annual, and water it in very well.

You need to know ahead how tall each variety will grow in order to provide the right kind of support. The support should be set in place soon after planting, or as the plants emerge from the ground in the spring, so the stems will remain up.

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Grow pinks in the front of a perennial border or in a rock garden, plant as a ground cover in a small sunny area, or use to edge a walk or terrace.

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