Carnation – January birth flower

January’s flower is the carnation.  Carnations are part of the genus Dianthus.   There are hundreds of species in the genus and they can be annual, biennial, or perennial.  The carnation flowers we are most familiar with are annuals with long stems grown for the floral industry.   These popular cut flowers are available in an arrary of colors and have a long vase life.   In a vase keep them away from direct sun and heat and change the water every few days. Each time the water is changed recut the stems to help the flowers drink more water.  

Other names for the carnation include pinks, Sweet William, clove pink, or hardy pinks.   The word “pink” doesn’t refer to a color but to the edges of the flower blooms which look like they have been cut with pinking shears.

There are some Dianthus that can be grown in Wisconsin, although they are short lived perennials.  In garden centers they are often labeled as border carnations or hardy pinks.  These are low growing flowers and are often used in rock gardens or edging.   Some are spring blooming and others will bloom throughout the summer.   They prefer well drained soil, full sun, and generally like low humidity and cooler temps.   Clay soils can be a problem when they keep the roots too wet.  

There is a variety called Cheddar Pink that is a very low growing, ground cover perennial.   Here the cheddar has nothing to do with cheese, but from its native area in Cheddar Gorge in England.