Carnation Dianthus caryophyllus
Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Caryophyllaceae family, native to Mediterranean region (wild origin uncertain). It grows 30–80 cm (12–31 in) tall and 25–45 cm (10–18 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Carnation in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Carnation at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Mature height | 30–80 cm (12–31 in) |
| Mature spread | 25–45 cm (10–18 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.7–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mediterranean region (wild origin uncertain) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇫🇷 France, 🇨🇳 China, 🇵🇪 Peru |
Is Carnation toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: all parts, flowers
ASPCA lists carnation as mildly toxic to cats and dogs, causing mild vomiting and diarrhoea or skin irritation; petals are sometimes used as a garnish.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Carnation
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Carnation
- How far apart should I plant Carnation?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 25–45 cm (10–18 in).
- Does Carnation need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Carnation need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Carnation?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Carnation flower?
- From about June for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Carnation poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. ASPCA lists carnation as mildly toxic to cats and dogs, causing mild vomiting and diarrhoea or skin irritation; petals are sometimes used as a garnish.
- What grows well with Carnation?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Carnation. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Border carnations and pinks are hardy to about zone 6; greenhouse cut-flower types are tender and are grown commercially in cool tropical highlands.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Sweet William Dianthus barbatus
- China pink Dianthus chinensis
- Snow-in-summer Cerastium tomentosum
- Moss campion Silene acaulis
- Soapwort (bouncing bet) Saponaria officinalis
- Rock soapwort Saponaria ocymoides
- Creeping baby’s breath Gypsophila repens
- Maiden pink Dianthus deltoides