Dianthus caryophyllus

Bloom Color: Orange, Pink, Red, White, Yellow.
Main Bloom Time: Mid summer. Form: Upright or erect.

Dianthus caryophyllus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m by 0.5 m at a slow rate.
It is hardy to 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 and is pollinated by Lepidoptera . The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light , medium and heavy soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic 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.

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Rock garden, Seashore, Specimen. Succeeds in a sunny position in most good soils tolerating a pH range from 6 to 8 but disliking acid soils. A very tolerant plant, succeeding in the salt laden air and strong winds of the coast as well as in the sulphur polluted air of cities. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to about -10°c. A very ornamental plant, the carnation is widely cultivated in the flower garden and is grown commercially in France for its essential oil. There are many named varieties. The flowers of the species have a rich clove-like perfume, though almost no scent is present in the orange and yellow-flowering cultivars. The flowers are very attractive to butterflies and moths. Plants are prone to mildew or leaf spot in humid climates. Special Features:Edible, Not North American native, Suitable for cut flowers, Fragrant flowers.