Carnations are beautiful members of the Dianthus genus with attractive flowers that produce a sweet, spicy fragrance. Carnations are pretty hardy herbaceous perennials that thrive in most gardens. In this article, I’ll share my experience of where to plant carnations for optimal growth each season.
Where to Plant Carnations in Your Garden
Plant carnations in a sunny, sheltered part of your garden. This protects them from strong winds. Choose an area that receives approximately four to six hours of full sun throughout the day. Aim to provide direct sunlight in the morning as this will be less intense than direct afternoon sunlight.
Plant carnations in rich, well-draining soils that are neutral or alkaline. Chalky, loamy, and sandy soils with pH levels between 6.5 and 8.5 are ideal. Space your carnations approximately 6 to 12 inches away from other plants to promote good air circulation.
What Conditions Do Carnations Like?
Most types of carnations (Dianthus) are native to grasslands and open habitats across Asia and Europe. However, some species are also found in parts of Africa and North America, where they have become naturalized. Some carnations are low-growing alpine plants that thrive in mountainous meadows and rocky slopes.
Carnations grow best in USDA Zones 3 to 8 and prefer cooler temperatures. These hardy plants are herbaceous perennials that die back in winter before reemerging in spring. However, carnations may struggle if nighttime temperatures drop below freezing.
Carnations thrive in sunny habitats and need approximately four to six hours of full sun daily. That said, most carnations can also tolerate partial shade. However, carnations cannot tolerate full shade and may not flower if they don’t get enough sunlight.
How Tall and Wide Do Carnations Grow?
Most carnations grow between 0.5 and 2 feet tall and approximately 10 to 14 inches wide. Many types of carnations are upright, clump-forming plants. However, some alpine carnations are low-growing plants that produce mats of grass-like foliage and small flowers. Some of these carnations only grow a few inches tall.
Soil Requirements for Carnations
Carnations need fertile, well-draining soils that provide good aeration. Carnations grow well in dry to moist soils but hate sitting in saturated soils. As such, carnations can be vulnerable to overwatering. Carnations also prefer neutral to alkaline soils with a pH range between 6.5 and 8.5.
Chalky, sandy, or loamy soils are perfect for carnations because these mediums provide excellent drainage. Add some extra compost to chalky or sandy soils to provide more nutrients for your carnations. Chalky soils work especially well for carnations because they’re usually alkaline.
Can Carnations Grow in Pots?
Carnations are versatile plants that grow well in pots due to their compact size. Ensure your carnations have rich, well-draining soil, and fertilize them every few months. Carnations growing in containers (or from seed) should be watered weekly if the top few inches of soil feel dry. Water more frequently in hot, dry summers.
If you live in a colder area that experiences heavy frosts, it’s best to grow carnations in pots. This allows you to protect your carnations by bringing them indoors or wrapping the pots in fleece during harsh winters.
Where to Plant Carnations FAQs:
Where is the Best Place to Plant Carnations?
The best place to plant carnations is in a sunny, sheltered spot. Carnations require four to six hours of full sun every day. Carnations should also be planted in fertile soils with excellent drainage. Chalky, loamy, or sandy soils amended with some extra compost are ideal.
Can Carnations Stay Outside in Winter?
Carnations can stay outside during the winter in Zones 3 to 8. Carnations are fairly hardy plants that thrive in cooler temperatures. However, if temperatures drop below freezing, bring your carnations indoors if you can.
Do Carnations Like Full Sun or Shade?
Carnations prefer full sun, but most varieties can also tolerate partial shade. Most carnations need approximately four to six hours of full sun every day. East or south-facing aspects are ideal for carnations, but they will struggle to grow and flower in full shade.
Do Carnations Come Back Every Year?
Carnations are herbaceous perennials that grow back every year. They die back during the winter but regrow when spring arrives. Carnations are perennial in Zones 3 to 8.
How Do You Plant Carnations Outside?
Dig a hole as deep as the nursery pot containing your carnation. Plant your carnation and fill in around it with rich, well-draining soil. Space carnations approximately 6 to 12 inches apart to promote good air circulation, and it’s prudent to deadhead carnations throughout the growing season.
Where to Plant Carnations – Wrapping Up
Carnations are versatile perennials that thrive in Zones 3 to 8. Plant carnations in sunny, sheltered spots with fertile, well-draining soils. Carnations need approximately four to six hours of full sun during the day. Carnations also grow well in pots due to their compact size.
For more, see our in-depth guide to carnation growing zones and native ranges, the uses and benefits of carnation flowers, tips on managing non-flowering carnations, beautiful flowers that pair well with carnations, how to propagate and transplant carnation flowers in your garden, and why the carnation is Ohio’s State Flower and Spain’s National Flower.
Edd is a budding content writer and gardener living in the United Kingdom. He has a bachelor's degree in Creative and Professional Writing and has written for several gardening publications online. He is passionate about nature and sustainability with a focus on gardening and wildlife.
Comments are closed.