The Carnation - Miniature Variety Are Great Cut Flowers

The Carnation is actually a member of the Dianthus family. The miniature variety is a very popular flower admired by florists all over the world. It is known as one of the best cut flowers to use in any style of floral arrangement. The miniature grows well in the United States in zones four through nine. It is considered an annual and a perennial, depending on the climate. This Dianthus family member grows great in well drained soil, and will struggle if the ground is saturated. The miniature loves full sun, but can take partial shade. It will mature up to 24 inches high and around 20 inches wide. The full growth pattern takes up to about two years. The stems are narrow with a light green to silver tone.

About twelve years ago, I purchased a mixture of miniature carnation seeds from the Park Seed Company. I germinated them in the greenhouse and had great success. I decided to use the miniature variety as a border. I planted them around a Sweet Gum tree. They received minimal sunlight and overall did fine. Over the years, the stems of these plant specimens tend to become a little leggy, but still keep their brilliant colors. The miniature variety will bloom from spring throughout the entire summer. In warmer climates, the flowers will come to life in May. Below are a few photos of some of the flowers.

Slender Stems

Variegated

Pink

Close Up Red Miniature

As you can see they still have deep color tones, but occasionally the roots will extend above the ground. I recommend to my clients to plant in masses in the sun, or plant them as accents in a specific style garden. There are many other flowers that will compliment this miniature specie. Most of the flowers will produce a double bloom, but some of the varieties will have only one bloom per flower. The colors range from red, pink, white, variegated, yellow, and orange. You can also consider intermingling this specie with some annual flowers.

Commercially this flower is imported and exported all over the world. It can be stored longer than any other flower. This specie is also known as the Spray Carnation. This is a great variety to incorporate in a color base garden. Adding this plant in a rock garden with some Blue Star Junipers, will create a colorful teal tone throughout the bed. The Miniature variety is great to grow from seed, as well as planting in gardens, and creating a wonderful fresh floral arrangement.