'Early Bird Radiance' Carnations

My 'Early Bird Radiance' Carnations in May 2011, shortly after transplant.

I started with a 6" 'Early Bird Radiance' Carnation (Dianthus 'Early Bird Radiance' USPP) from Al's Garden Center.  This perennial has crimson red flowers and blooms from Spring to early summer (although mine is still blooming and it's now August, follow tips below).  It is compact, closer to a mini carnation, with greenish-blue foliage.

Growing Tips: Plant in full sun and water regularly.  Deadhead spent flowers for more blooms. In late July, trim back all stems from spent flowers, about 3" from the base of the plant for new blooms in August.

Perennial Tips: Trim back all stems from spent flowers, about 3" from the base of the plant at the end of the summer, cover with hazel nut shell mulch for the winter.

Devon Cottage (TM) Rosie Cheeks

I started with a 8"Proven Selections Award Winning Devon Cottage (TM) Rosie Cheeks (Dianthus hybrid) carnation.  These carnations are perennials and come back the second year with twice as many blooms.  Blooms from spring to through summer. (above) My Rosie Cheeks in bloom in July.

Growing Tips: Rosie Cheeks prefer full to partial sun and grow 10" - 14" tall.  Water every other day or daily if weather is really hot. For best results, fertilize or feed every couple weeks.  Remove dead blooms to encourage new growth.

Perennial Tips: This is a perennial in zones 7 -11.  Before winter, remove all dead blooms and cover base of plant with hazelnut shells. 

Ruby's Tuesday Carnations

I have planted an Award Winning Devon Cottage (TM) Ruby's Tuesday Carnation (Dianthus hybrid) in a large terra cotta pot in full sun.  These carnations grow upright and bloom bright red flowers during Spring and Summer that attract butterflies and are excellent cut flowers (above, my Ruby's Tuesday in May 2010).

Growing Tips: Ruby's Tuesday Carnations prefer full to partial sun, regular watering.  Fertilizing is recommended for best results but I have never fertilized my carnations and they come back every year.  Grows 10" - 14" tall, space 18" apart.

Perennial Tips: Trim back flower stems in Fall for new blooms next year.  Cover exposed soil with hazelnut shell mulch during the winter. Note: This is an annual except in zones 7 - 11.

Carnations

This year I have four different colors of carnations growing in my garden. All are of the same variety, Fenbows Nutmeg Clove Carnations, and I have baby pink, hot pink, white and red. My plants top soil is covered in twice-cracked hazelnut mulch. (right) The red ones are new and the other three came back from last year. Last years even survived a week of snow over the winter.

Growing Tips: Carnations like full sun with well drained soil. Carnations don't require a lot of water so only water as needed. Once in bloom, carnations can be quite floppy and heavy, to keep the flowers from flopping over, I use the bottom half of a tomato cage (I use wire clippers so I only have one rung) around my carnations to keep them upright. I also recommend avoiding windy areas when planting carnations. Once flower heads off when they die to encourage new blooms. Carnations also make a great clipping flower.

Perennial Tip: Carnations are perennials and will come back the next year. At the end of the season when no more flowers are blooming on the plant, trim back all the flower stems to the mid of the "grassy" part of the plant and cover top soil with mulch. The following year, you will have twice as many blooms. The next year, once you start to see the new flower stems growing up from the "grassy" part, you will have blooms in one month or so that will last almost all summer.