Carnation (Dianthus bicolor)
Care, watering, light and tips for Carnation on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Caryophyllaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Carnation
Dianthus bicolor, known as 'Bicolour Pink', is a charming perennial plant from the Caryophyllaceae family, valued for its vibrant bicoloured flowers. Its small, often contrasting-centered blooms form a carpet of colour that enhances borders, rockeries, and pots on patios and balconies. It brings a touch of cheerfulness and delicacy to any Mediterranean or cottage-style garden.
Native range
Eastern Europe and Western Asia
Care tips
It requires full sun exposure for abundant flowering, although it tolerates light partial shade in very hot climates. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings to avoid waterlogging, to which it is very sensitive. It prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline or neutral soils. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot, so ensuring good drainage is crucial.
How to save a dying Carnation
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or wilting leaves, soft stems, no blooms.
- First aid
- Remove spent flowers/dry leaves, check drainage, water only when soil is dry.
- What kills it
- Overwatering causing root rot or insufficient direct sunlight.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't fully rotted and the issue is corrected.