Perennials

Carnation 'Scarlet'

Dianthus

Dianthus 'Scarlet': 20 cm high and 40 cm spread, full sun exposure. Red, white flowers in May-September. Zone 4; choose soil compatible with its moisture needs.

Format

Share
Exposure
Sun
Life cycle
Hardy perennial
Hardiness
Zone 4

Discover the plant

Common nameCarnation 'Scarlet'
FamilyCaryophyllaceae
GenusCarnation
CultivarScarlet
TypeHardy perennial
Botanical nameDianthus

For a sunny arrangement, 'Scarlet' Carnation (Dianthus 'Scarlet') offers flowers in shades of red and white. Among its distinctive features are aromatic foliage and fragrant flowers. The foliage displays shades of grey and green, which can be highlighted among different textures. The usual flowering period is May-September. At maturity, expect 20 cm in height and 40 cm in width, which suggests its use in the foreground of borders and rockeries.

To plant 'Scarlet' Carnation, look for the following exposure: sun and a suitable soil (well-drained, rather light; avoid water pockets around the collar). After planting 'Scarlet' Carnation, water enough to thoroughly moisten the root ball. Once established, let the surface dry between waterings and prioritize drainage, especially during warm spells. An approximate spacing of 40 cm between centers is a starting point, to be adjusted according to observed vigor. The indicated hardiness zone is zone 4, to be assessed according to your garden's conditions.

Maintenance of 'Scarlet' Carnation primarily involves observing the clump: remove faded flowers and avoid watering that leaves the crown soaked at the end of the day. The carnation's crown should remain clear; the lower leaves do not tolerate a layer of damp mulch pressed against them. For plant associations, consider border sages, catmints, and yarrows in varieties with similar needs. The flowering (May-September) and spread of 40 cm will serve as guidelines for arranging other plants around this one.

Œillet ‘Scarlet’ — Dianthus

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Spacing / density 15.75 in
Best planting time Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing the roots time to settle before the severe cold.
Propagation Division of clumps; stem cuttings. Sowing does not guarantee the fidelity of a named cultivar.
Growing method
'Scarlet' Carnation: Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing roots to establish before severe cold sets in. After planting 'Scarlet' Carnation, water enough to thoroughly moisten the root ball. Once established, allow the surface to dry between waterings and prioritize drainage, especially during mild spells. The crown of the carnation must remain clear; the lower leaves do not tolerate a layer of damp mulch pressed against them.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

neutral; general indication of the botanical group

Care level

Routine maintenance

Watering

After planting Dianthus 'Scarlet', water enough to thoroughly moisten the root ball. Once rooted, let the surface dry out between waterings and prioritize drainage, especially during mild spells.

Soil type

Draining, rather light; avoid water pockets around the collar

Fertilization

Fertilizer for flowering

Moisture

Low to medium after establishment; priority drainage

Seasonal care

Dianthus 'Scarlet': remove faded flowers and avoid watering that leaves the crown waterlogged at the end of the day. During its flowering period (May-September), also look out for damaged stems and neighboring plants that might obscure the clump.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

Stable and perforated container, significantly wider than the root ball; dimensions to be adapted to the sold format and adult development.
To try 'Scarlet' Carnation in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (40 cm). Water must drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than you would for plants in the ground. Plan for winter protection of the container depending on your climate.
Œillet ‘Scarlet’ — Dianthus

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

8 inches (20.5 cm)

Width / spread

16 inches (40.5 cm)

Flower color

Red

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Persistent to semi-persistent depending on the climate and winter conditions

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Erected

Fragrance

Fragrant flowers

Bloom period

May-September
Œillet ‘Scarlet’ — Dianthus

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Consider these pairings for 'Scarlet' Carnation: border salvias, catmints, yarrows. Choose varieties that tolerate sun and similar moisture; allow each clump its adult space.

Plants to avoid

Around the 'Scarlet' Carnation, definitely avoid neighbors that would cover its leaves or strongly compete with its root ball. Compatibility in terms of light, water, and size takes precedence over a list of so-called enemy plants.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

Where to plant Carnation 'Scarlet'?
Provide sunlight and a suitable soil (well-drained, rather light; avoid waterlogged areas around the root collar). The carnation's root collar must remain clear; the lower leaves do not tolerate a layer of damp mulch pressed against them.
Where should I plant ‘Scarlet’ Carnation?
Expect a height of about 20 cm and a width of 40 cm at maturity. Approximately 40 cm between centers, to be adjusted according to the actual development of the clump. This size is suitable for use in the foreground of borders and rock gardens.
When does Carnation ‘Scarlet’ bloom?
The period indicated is May-September. The flower colors are red, white. The exact date and duration depend on the climate, the season and the establishment of the plant.
How to water and care for Dianthus 'Scarlet'?
After planting 'Scarlet' Carnation, water thoroughly to moisten the root ball. Once established, allow the surface to dry out between waterings and prioritize drainage, especially during warm spells. Remove spent blooms and avoid late-day watering that leaves the crown soaked.
Can Scarlet Carnation be grown in pots?
To try Dianthus ‘Scarlet’ in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (40 cm). Water must drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than if it were in the ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.