Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

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.

Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured leaves and grows compactly to about 50 cm tall and 40 cm wide. Stromanthe Triostar makes for a wonderful office and house plant and is great for bringing colour and joy to a space.

Buy Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

From $32.33

Suited to regions: Subtropical

Plant type: Indoor Plants

Height: 50 cm

Spread: 40 cm

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical

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. This award-winning plant grows as a low mound of grassy, green-grey leaves which serve as a lovely backdrop to the flowers as it grows to 30 cm tall and the same wide. Dianthus Memories is a popular herbaceous perennial that is often grown in a container, included in borders and mixed plantings, mass planted for a spectacular show, or included in gardens around living areas.

Buy Dianthus Memories

From $16.13

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

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.