Carnation, Clove Pink, Border Carnation

Dianthus caryophyllus

Physical Characteristics

Dianthus caryophyllus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

Europe - W. and S. France. Occasionally naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Edible Uses: Condiment The flower petals have a strong smell of cloves and are candied, used as a garnish in salads, for flavouring fruit, fruit salads etc. They can also be used as a substitute for rose petals in making a syrup[183, 238]. The petals should be removed from the calyx and their bitter white base should be removed[183].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Cardiotonic Diaphoretic Febrifuge Nervine Stimulant Carnation flowers are an aromatic, stimulant herb that has been used in tonic cordials in the past to treat fevers, though this use is now obsolete[238]. It is traditionally prescribed in European herbal medicine to treat coronary and nervous disorders[254]. The flowers are considered to be alexiteric, antispasmodic, cardiotonic, diaphoretic and nervine[240]. The plant has been used as a vermifuge in China[240].

Known Hazards

None known