10 Fragrant Carnations That Belong in Every Garden & Bouquet 💐

Carnations are prevalent not just because of their beauty but also for their fragrance. Most of these carnations exude a clove-like scent that can be described as a mix between sweet and spicy. Others, however, are fragrance-free. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most fragrant types of the second most popular flower worldwide, the “flower of the gods” – carnation flowers.  

The 10 Most Fragrant Types of Carnations

In the floral world, carnation generally pertains to clove pink varieties, including clove pink hybrids with other Dianthus species. Many of these are prized not just for their allure but also for their remarkable scent.

Here’s a quick list of the most fragrant type of carnations that will work well for home gardens, bouquets, decorative pieces, or any kind of floral arrangement.

1) Dianthus ‘Cheshire Cat’

One popular carnation cultivar is the Dianthus ‘Cheshire Cat’. It originates from a group of carnations known as perpetual carnations, which are crosses between carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) and China pinks (Dianthus chinensis).

The Dianthus ‘Cheshire Cat’ features large pink blooms with hints of crimson-red streaks along the petals. It’s a tall carnation variety that flowers all year-round.  

2) Dianthus ‘White Rabbit’

Those looking for a romantic fragrance and elegant look in flowers should look into the ‘White Rabbit’ perpetual carnation cultivar. It flaunts delicate-looking flowers in white that bloom all year round in mild climates. 

3) Dianthus ‘Royal Salmon’

The ‘Royal Salmon’ carnation is a recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Award of Garden Merit. It is an early carnation cultivar featuring showy salmon-hued double flowers. 

4) Dianthus ‘Romance’

Dianthus ‘Romance’ is an award-winning type of carnation known for its spicy fragrance and long flowering period. This prized variety is very compact and displays an array of salmon-pink double flowers.  

5) Dianthus caryophyllus ‘Chomely Farran’

A classic plant breeder’s favorite during the 1700s and 1800s is the Chomely Farran carnation. During that time, a group of carnations known as “Bizarres” were highly sought for their bi-color or tri-color flowers with irregular stripes or spots. 

Interestingly, the Chomely Farran is the sole Bizarre carnation type that is in cultivation up to this day.  Although not as strongly scented as the other carnations, it remains a top choice because of its bi-color flowers in shades of purple and rose pink.

6) Dianthus caryophyllus ‘Vienna Mischung’

D. caryophyllus ‘Vienna Mischung’ is a dwarf type of border carnation that works best if you want to add a bit of fragrance to your home garden. It grows about 12 to 24 inches in height and features scented bi-color flowers in a mix of white and red. The name “mischung” means “mixed.”

7) Dianthus caryophyllus ‘Grenadin Pink’

D. caryophyllus ‘Grenadin Pink’ is a hardy carnation that gives off a spicy-sweet scent. This double-flowered carnation showcases stunning large deep pink blooms that bloom from spring to summer. 

8) Dianthus caryophyllus ‘Cinnamon Red Hots’

‘Cinnamon Red Hots’ carnations are one of the best red carnations that you can easily find. Its vibrant red color makes it attractive, but the intense cinnamon-like fragrance is what makes these blooms extra noteworthy. It blooms from mid-spring to early autumn.  

9) Dianthus caryophyllus ‘King of the Blacks’ 

Black carnations are non-existent. But if you are looking for one, the ‘King of the Blacks’ carnations are the closest you could get. Absolutely eye-catching, this type of carnation provides a one-of-a-kind addition to gardens or cut flower arrangements. The ruffled flowers come in a dark shade of burgundy red and bloom from late spring to mid-summer. 

10) Dianthus caryophyllus ‘Chabaud Orange’

Orange carnations aren’t as ubiquitous as other carnation colors, but that is what makes the ‘Chabaud Orange’ even more appealing. These clove-like scented carnations boast a beautiful display of large orange flowers that can surely cheer up anyone instantly.

Wrapping Up

Carnation flowers are, without a doubt, amongst the most beautiful blossoms with widespread recognition. However, their charming flowers and stunning colors are not the sole reasons for their marketability and attractiveness. The fragrance is another component that many consider as it adds to any bloom’s charm. With the huge number of carnation flower varieties available, the best-smelling carnation types stand out from the others.