The very easy-care carnation is often considered a bit old-fashioned. However, it is very decorative and blooms for many weeks. Above all, the two-colored variants, such as the red and white variety "Mondrian" are quite impressive
The carnation prefers sunny locations
The hanging varieties are also very interesting. They are ideal for planting in a balcony box or in a hanging basket.(11.99€) The carnation also feels very comfortable in rock gardens or cottage gardens.
The right location for the carnation
The main thing is that the carnation gets a place in the sun. He may also like to be sheltered from the wind. With good care and in the right place, it is perennial. It often does not survive the winter, although it is hardy. This is less due to the frost than to too much moisture.
The best soil for your carnations
Calcareous, permeable and humic - that's how the carnation likes the soil best. Loosen up soil that is too firm with a little gravel or sand, or plant the carnation in a rock garden. If the soil is very poor, put some well-rotted manure or mature compost in the planting hole.
Prepare the planting
In spring or autumn you can plant the carnation without worry, it grows quite easily. In the trade, the carnation is sometimes also offered as an annual summer flower, as it is relatively inexpensive. But you can also grow your own plants from seeds and then plant them in the garden from May. Hanging varieties are best planted in a hanging basket or balcony box.
The most important planting tips for the carnation:
- Location: preferably sunny and sheltered from the wind
- Soil: rich in nutrients and humic
- usually hardy to approx. - 15 °C
- great variety in terms of flower color and shape, as well as growth habit
- Depending on the variety, better suited for beds or balconies
- Flowering time: around May to October
- can be planted in spring or autumn
- ideal planting distance: approx. 15 to 30 cm, depending on the variety
tips
The upright growing carnation is ideal for planting in a rock garden or cottage garden, while hanging varieties are well suited for window boxes (€109.00) and hanging baskets.