This loosely tufted herbaceous perennial has upright slender stems that form a clump. It has mid green linear leaves and the pale pink, flattened wheel-shape flowers appear in a small cluster above the foliage during summer.

Hardiness zones 8 to 10 

Dianthus caryophyllus is naturally found in southern and central Europe growing in meadows in moderately fertile well-drained moist soils that are neutral tending acidic. It prefers an open sunny position and is frost tolerant but drought tender. 

Wild Carnation is grown for its flowers that are cut and used in the floral industry. It is planted along perennial borders in small or cottage gardens and is also used in rockeries as a specimen. It is suitable for coastal and inland regions establishing in 1 to 2 years but is short lived. This plant may also be grown in patio pots or planter boxes and the cultivars are avalable in a range of colours. ID 3210

Dianthus (dee-ANTH-us) caryophyllus (KAR-ee-oh-FY-lus)

Caryophyllaceae (kar-ree-oh-fil-AY-see-ee)
Carnation Family