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carnation flower plant

Searching for the perfect carnation flower plant to add classic beauty and vibrant colour to your garden? Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) are beloved for their frilled petals and sweet, clove-like fragrance. Whether you’re planning a cut flower garden, filling a border with long-blooming colour, or simply looking to brighten up a patio container, carnation flower plants are a fantastic choice for New Zealand gardeners. This page explores everything you need to know about carnation flower plants—from growing tips to creative uses, popular varieties, and complimentary plants.

dianthus-memories-

Dianthus Memories

Dianthus Memories is a scented variety of Carnation that features masses of double, white, highly fragrant flowers. These stunning flowers are produced from spring through until late summer on short stems that rise above the foliage.

From $16.49

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 30 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which are thick, glossy, and near black in colour. The foliage can reach 60 cm tall and the 40 cm wide but is often much less than this when grown as a potted plant.

From $41.33

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
francoa-flower-girl-
Francoa 'Flower Girl'

Francoa 'Flower Girl' is a graceful perennial that produces elegant spikes of delicate flowers from late spring through summer. Its attractive clumps...

From$17.95
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
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Rose Flower Carpet Gold

Rose Flower Carpet Gold is a popular ground cover rose that features masses of showy, yellow flowers. Flowering begins in spring and will continue...

From$34.43
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Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet' plants with red flowers above lush, green foliage.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet'

Rose Flower Carpet Scarlet is a ground cover rose that features masses of showy, scarlet red flowers. The flowers are complemented with glossy, dark...

From$33.81
Rose 'Flower Carpet Red' ground cover with masses of red flowers.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Red'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Red' is a popular ground cover rose valued for its rich red flowers and outstanding disease resistance. This tough rose performs...

From$34.43
Rose 'Flower Carpet Mini Cherry' plant with masses of red flowers growing in a pot on a patio.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Mini Cherry'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Mini Cherry' is a compact ground cover rose valued for its masses of vibrant cherry red flowers and exceptional disease...

From$34.43
Rose 'Flower Carpet White' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Rose 'Flower Carpet White'

Rose 'Flower Carpet White' is a popular ground cover rose valued for its masses of pure white flowers and exceptional disease resistance. This tough...

From$26.91
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Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
Rose 'Flower Carpet Pink' stunning pink flowers.
Rose Flower Carpet Pink

Rose Flower Carpet Pink features large trusses of semi-double, pink flowers. Flowering begins in spring and continues until autumn provided the spent...

From$34.43
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
ozothamnus-springtime-white--2
Ozothamnus Springtime White (Rice Flower)

“Springtime White” is a shrub grown for its prolific flowering and drought tolerance. Clusters of white flowers with a paper-like appearance are...

From$26.15
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
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Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
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Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
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Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

From$34.95
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5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
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1.5 Litre Plant Pots

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

From$27.36
indoor-plant-fertiliser-
Indoor Plant Fertiliser

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$16.95
Plant watering bottle for watering a plant on a shelf.
Plant Watering Bottle

Plant Watering Bottles provide a simple and convenient way to deliver water directly to indoor plants, seedlings, cuttings, and small container...

From$55.13
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 Litre Plant Pots

3.5 Litre Plant Pots are a versatile choice for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other established plants. They provide generous root...

From$48.96
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10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
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2.5 Litre Plant Pots

2.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical option for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide ample root...

From$37.44
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Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

From$16.95
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0.5 Litre Plant Pots

0.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young plants, herbs, seedlings, and smaller ornamentals. Their compact size makes them ideal...

From$23.04
White waterproof paper plant tags for sale.
Waterproof Paper Plant Tags

Waterproof Paper Plant Tags provide a practical way to label plants, trays, pots, and nursery stock while resisting moisture during everyday growing...

From$26.78
Dianthus Memories

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cistus, Dianthus, and Francoa, or related Categories - Grasses, Indoor Plants, and Perennials.

Search carnation flower plant

Why Choose Carnation Flower Plants?

Carnation flower plants are prized for their versatility, vivid hues, and prolonged bloom time. These hardy perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, producing blooms in white, pink, red, and even bi-colour forms. Carnations are excellent for adding instant charm to borders, garden beds, and containers. The carnation flower plant is also the classic go-to for fresh bouquets, thanks to its long-lasting stems and distinctive scent.

Not only are carnation flower plants visually striking, but they also attract pollinators, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem. Their compact growth makes them easy to incorporate into any landscape design, and their resilience means they’ll return year after year with minimal fuss.

Growing Carnation Flower Plants in New Zealand

Carnation flower plants love our temperate climate, growing well in areas with cool nights and mild days. To achieve the best results, plant your carnation flower plant in a position that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. Space plants around 30cm apart to allow good air circulation and prevent disease. Water regularly, but avoid letting the soil become soggy—carnations prefer their roots dry between watering. Deadheading faded flowers encourages continuous blooming throughout the season.

For gardeners seeking to diversify their plant collection, consider pairing carnations with easy-care beauties such as Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant), which provides lush foliage as a backdrop, or with other vigorous flowering plants like Brunfelsia Blue Moon (Yesterday Today and Tomorrow Flower) for diverse colour and texture.

Uses for Carnation Flower Plants

Carnation flower plants are celebrated for their role in floral arrangements—fresh, fragrant, and striking, their blooms elevate centrepieces and bouquets. Many gardeners also plant carnations along walkways for their inviting scent and cheerful presence. The carnation flower plant is traditionally associated with symbols of love, fascination, and distinction, making it a meaningful addition to home gardens.

Carnations pair beautifully with unusual foliage plants like the vibrant Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant), or with dramatic blooms from Strelitzia Mandelas Gold (Yellow Crane Flower) for a winning contrast in mixed plantings. Add aromatic leaf detail by combining with Prostanthera Eddington Blue (Mint Bush Plant).

Find Your Carnation Flower Plant

Ready to enjoy the timeless appeal and easy-care nature of the carnation flower plant? With its ability to thrive in Kiwi gardens, create stunning floral displays, and attract pollinators, it’s a must-have for gardeners of all experience levels. Browse our curated plant range and discover compatible companions—your garden will thank you for it.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
You know Austrocylindropuntia vestita (Furry Cactus) and Ficus benjamina variegata, but have you met Olea europaea, Lagunaria patersonia, and Malus 'Profusion'? These beauties are worth a closer look.
–The Plant Company

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