Carnations (Latin Dianthus) are found almost all over the world. Roughly estimated, there are around 600 different species with over 27,000 different varieties - plus numerous hybrid forms. Most carnations come from barren regions and are therefore perfectly adapted to the living conditions in the rock garden.
Carnations cut a fine figure in the rock garden
Easy to care for in the sunny rock garden
The group of plants is ideal for a sunny and rather dry rock garden, although the smaller species in particular can also be cultivated very well in the cracks and cracks of dry walls or in troughs or pots. Carnations are easy to care for: Basically, all you have to do is remove faded stalks. However, not all species are hardy by a long shot, and sensitive carnation varieties not only need frost protection in winter, but above all moisture protection. When it comes to plant diseases, clove rust, a fungal disease that occurs when there is moisture, is particularly hard on the cloves.
Species-rich plant genus in numerous variations
Carnations can look very different: There are densely growing, mat-forming species as well as racy or semi-shrubby perennials. The leaves are usually grass-like (an indication of the frugality of this group of plants) and, depending on the species and cultivar, grey-green or green. The simple, delicate flowers in pink, violet, white or yellow are either solitary or in sparse umbels. The petals are usually (but not always) slit.
Proven species and varieties
Of course, not all Dianthus species and varieties are suitable for the rock garden at home. Particularly beautiful and easy-care variants are, for example, these:
- Dianthus deltoides (heath carnation): The varieties 'Brilliant', 'Nelli', 'Splendens' and 'Lichtfunk' all have red flowers with ring markings. They grow to about 15 centimeters high. 'Albus', on the other hand, has white flowers. All heather carnations are green-leaved and grow in a raspy manner.
- Dianthus plumarius (plumes): Plumes with their delicate, feathery flowers have a very intense scent and often grow taller than all other types of carnation. The 'Diamant' variety grows to a height of around 30 centimeters and has white, double flowers. The up to 20 centimeters high 'Heidi', on the other hand, impresses with blood-red, double flowers. 'Ine', up to 25 centimeters high, has semi-double, white flowers with a red ring pattern. The 'Pikes Pink', on the other hand, has pink, filled flowers that can reach a height of up to 20 centimeters.
Particularly beautiful in the rock and gravel garden: the Whitsun carnation
The peony carnations (Dianthus gratianopolitanus), which bloom between May and June, grow in dense cushions of grey-green to blue-grey mats. The slightly fragrant, pink, red or white flowers protrude from these. The light violet-pink flowering 'Eydangeri' and the purple-pink flowering 'Mirakel' are established and richly flowering varieties.
tips
Carnations can be wonderfully socialized with rock roses, bluebells, gypsophila and cinquefoil or even houseleek.