Types of Carnations - Dianthus Plant Species

This carnation is named after the Carthusian monks of the French Alps, who used it to treat rheumatism and muscle pain. Each monk had his own space in the garden and in it they grew these carnations. They are distributed from Spain and France, through to Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Greece, and Turkey. Populations vary depending on the presence or absence of butterflies of the species Satyrus ferula and Melanargia galathea that pollinate them.

The plant can grow up to around 24"/60 cm in height. The flower heads are dense and the leaves are grass-like. They can be pink, magenta, or white, with the characteristic toothed petals of carnations. They are a little more flattened and open than other types of carnations. It is used as an ornamental plant and for soil restoration since it tolerates heavy metals accumulated in the soil. Additionally, it's known to attract various pollinators, making it beneficial for ecological gardens.

Carnations reproduce with seeds, a process you can understand in more detail with our guide to spermatophyte plants.

This is the most common species of carnation and from which many varieties have been created. They grow in red, yellow, white, pink, or bicolor patterns. There are even cultivars with double petals. They have a particular aroma very similar to that of cloves. It produces very showy grayish-green or bluish-green linear leaves of ornamental value. As it matures, it develops a woody base. They get to measure up to 24"/60 cm in height. Furthermore, the common carnation is often used in perfumery due to its distinctive fragrance, and its petals are sometimes used in culinary dishes for their colorful garnish.

This type of carnation is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula and has a peculiar appearance. The petals are highly branched at the margins and somewhat disheveled in appearance (see photo below). They can be white or pink, with dots and a yellow interior. Flowering occurs from March to July, and the stems are perennial. It is found in calcareous scrub and open grasslands, associated with dry climates. Interestingly, these carnations have adapted to survive in low-nutrient soils, which makes them a resilient choice for certain garden landscapes.

Learn how to look after another type of perennial with our care guide for the Chinese bellflower plant.

It is endemic to the Sierra de Gredos in Spain and is distributed at altitudes 1,800 meters above sea level. It produces very tiny pink carnation flowers, barely 1 cm long and short stems 4"/10 cm in height, staying close to the ground and therefore often overlooked. Despite their small size, these flowers play a crucial role in their ecosystem, providing nectar for various alpine insects and contributing to the biodiversity of the region.

Image: ARBA Bajo Jarama

Although their common name is the endearing sweet William, this is certainly one of the types of carnations and one of the most beautiful at that. They have colors such as purple, white, pink, or red, although some have margins with different shades of color.

They give off a notably spicy aroma and stand out for having an open and flattened corolla which you can see in the photo below. These flowers are packed into clusters with up to 30 individual carnation flowers per stem. This makes them a great type of ornamental plant in the home, but their natural habitat is the mountainous areas of Asia and Europe. Additionally, Sweet William is known for its ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to any pollinator-friendly garden.

Grow your own carnations with the link below to a great seed mix option for this type of flower:

[ltmbox id="7sDIS9kh" label="Buy carnation Chabaud seed mix"]

This carnation is native to China, Russia, Korea, and Mongolia. It grows to 20"/50 cm in height and the corolla is open with 5 serrated petals on the margins. They can be red, magenta, white, or bicolor, and are usually 1-1.5"/3-4 cm in diameter. You can fill your garden with these types of carnations as they grow well outside in various climates. They are relatively easy to care for, but need to be in semi-shaded areas if the temperatures are warm. Moreover, China pinks are often used in traditional medicine and are believed to have properties that can help reduce inflammation.

Discover more beautiful plants with photos in our guide to the different types of hydrangeas.

It produces open, flattened pink corolla flowers. The stems grow from 12-24"/30-60 cm tall. It is native to Germany, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Flowering is prolonged and extends from spring to summer. This species is known for its charming fragrance and is often used in perfumes and potpourri. It also has historical significance, being a popular flower in medieval gardens.

As an example of man-made cultivars which have created new types of dianthus plant species includes the Dianthus ‘raspberry swirl’ so called due to its beautiful red and white petals. It is a dwarf variety with short stems 4-8"/10-20 cm long that grows compactly. It has a considerably extended flowering time beginning in April and ending in October. In addition, the variety was modified to obtain a deep magenta color with whitish spots. It was created in 1997 in the United Kingdom, obtained from crossing 100 different seedlings to find the special characteristics mentioned. This cultivar is particularly favored in decorative garden designs for its striking appearance and long blooming season.

As you may be able to tell from some of the common names of these types of carnations, they are also sometimes known as pinks or variations of sweet William. All carnations are plants from the genus Dianthus, types of vascular flowering plants. Below we share some more species of carnations from the Dianthus genus:

• Seashore pink (Dianthus japonicus)
• Karoo pink (Dianthus caespitosus)
• Beauty's girdle (Dianthus callizonus)
• Frilly carnation (Dianthus mooiensis)
• Maiden pink (Dianthus deltoides)
• Rock pink (Dianthus petraeus)
• Cheddar pink (Dianthus gratianopolitanus)
• Knapp's carnation (Dianthus knappii)
• Deptford pink (Dianthus armeria)

You can see some photos of these types of carnations below. Many of these species thrive in specific habitats, showcasing the adaptability and diversity within the Dianthus genus.

Now you know what are some of the different types of carnations with photos of each, you may want to know how to care for them:

• Light: they require full sun exposure in cooler climates with high intensity light and long days. An indicator that there is a lack of light will be drooping or bent stems. In very hot climates, they will need periods of semi-shade. Ensuring they receive the right amount of light will promote healthier blooms and more robust growth.
  
  
• Irrigation: although considered somewhat drought resistant, they do need moderate watering. Around 1-2 times per week depending on the heat levels. It's important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
  
  
• Soil: it must have good drainage when watering as it prevents the roots from rotting and allows for a good plant structure. A mixture of universal substrate based on peat and worm humus in equal parts is ideal. You can add vermiculite or tepojal in smaller quantities. You also need a medium pH for growth. You can add a little lime if the soil is too acidic. Soil quality is crucial for the optimal health of carnations.
  
  
• Fertilizer: for producing flowers it needs to be fertilized often. Once a week in spring and summer and once a month in autumn and winter. Regular feeding ensures vibrant and continuous flowering.

Now that you know the different types of carnations, don't miss this article on white plants for the garden.

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