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carnation plant

The carnation plant is a true classic, cherished across New Zealand gardens for its ruffled blooms, spicy-sweet scent, and enduring popularity as a cut flower. Beloved for centuries, this versatile flowering perennial is perfect for adding lasting colour to beds, borders, containers, and even as an eye-catching groundcover. Whether you’re new to carnations or an experienced grower, understanding their care and varieties opens up an exciting world of possibilities for your garden.

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 architectural form. It is well suited to New Zealand pond margins, rain gardens, damp borders, containers, and modern landscape designs where unusual texture is wanted.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 76 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Paths & Steps, Ponds
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian
zamioculcas-black-knight-

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.

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
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Callisia repens

Callisia repens goes by several common names such as the Bubbles Plant, Turtle Vine, and Pin Panther Plant. The Turtle Vine is a very popular indoor...

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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...

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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...

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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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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
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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...

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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...

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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...

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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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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
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
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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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
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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...

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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
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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...

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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...

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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...

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Carnation 'Otaki Pink' pink flower.
Carnation 'Otaki Pink'

Carnation ‘Otaki Pink’ is a delightful and fragrant variety that produces masses of soft pink blooms on sturdy stems. This classic flower is...

OUT OF STOCK
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Iberis sempervirens (Candy Tuft Plants)

Iberis sempervirens, commonly known as Evergreen Candytuft or the Candy Tuft plant, is an evergreen shrub with spectacular flowering. Fragrant, white...

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Actaea simplex (Snakeroot Plant)

Actaea simplex, commonly known as Bugbane, is an elegant woodland perennial admired for its attractive divided foliage and tall, fragrant flower...

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Maranta Rabbit Tracks (Prayer Plant)

Maranta Rabbit Tracks features broad leaves that are a mix of dark green and black in a symmetrical pattern. It grows as a clump to about 20 cm tall...

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Aphelandra squarrosa plant with variegated leaves and yellow flowers.
Aphelandra squarrosa (Zebra Plant)

Aphelandra squarrosa, commonly known as the Zebra plant, is an elegant and popular indoor plant. It features fleshly leaves are variegated white and...

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Ranunculus Yellow - Potted Plant

“Yellow” is a stunning variety of Ranunculus that features double, bright yellow flowers. The showy blooms are borne on sturdy stems from late spring...

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Dahlia 'Karen' (Plant)

Dahlia 'Karen' is a stunning dahlia that produces an abundance of beautiful blooms from summer until the first frosts. Its long flowering season and...

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Tillandsia oaxacana (Air Plant)

Commonly known as “Air Plants”, these amazing plants grow without the need for soil. They are naturally found growing in trees and the like where...

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Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Agave, Callisia, and Cistus, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Moss Poles, and Grasses.

Search carnation plant

Growing and Caring for Carnation Plants

The carnation plant, known botanically as Dianthus caryophyllus, thrives best in well-drained soil and a sunny spot. Good air circulation is important to keep foliage healthy and reduce the risk of disease. Water at the base to avoid wetting leaves, and deadhead faded blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering through spring and summer. These hardy perennials appreciate a little compost at planting and a feed with balanced fertiliser during the growing season to support their impressive displays.

Different Varieties to Suit Every Taste

Gardeners will find a wide selection of carnation plant varieties, each offering unique colours and forms. For a stunning border plant, the Carnation 'Otaki Pink' supplies vibrant, frilly petals in a delightful pink shade. If you favour something with a striking contrast, Dianthus King of the Blacks (King Of The Blacks Carnation) produces deep, velvety blooms with a dramatic flair. For a sweeter touch, Dianthus Sunflor Love and Dianthus Memories offer lovely colours and compact growth, perfect for pots or smaller gardens.

Uses and Benefits of Carnation Plants

The carnation plant is renowned not only for its ornamental value but also its versatility. Florists favour carnations for their long vase life and the ability to hold colour, making them top picks for bouquets and arrangements. In the garden, carnations attract bees and butterflies, supporting pollinator activity. Their low, spreading habit makes them ideal for edging paths or filling the front of mixed borders with reliable blooms from late spring into early autumn.

Complementary Plants for Your Garden

Pair your carnation plant with other sun-loving perennials for a robust, colourful display. If you love variegated foliage and bold patterns, consider contrasting your carnations with the lush, tropical leaves of the Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)—an excellent choice for dappled shade and indoor interest.

Why Choose Carnation Plants?

Hardy, easy-care, and endlessly rewarding, the carnation plant belongs in every New Zealand garden. Whether planted en masse for impact or dotted among favourite perennials, they provide months of colour and a delicate fragrance that’s sure to be noticed. Discover the charm and versatility of carnations for your garden with exceptional varieties like Carnation 'Otaki Pink', Dianthus Sunflor Love, and many more.


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.

Gardeners love Ficus Tuffi and Coprosma acerosa, but there’s a growing buzz around plants like Pittosporum 'Little Gem', Hemerocallis 'Lullaby Baby', and Acer palmatum 'Fjellheim'.
–The Plant Company

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