Carnation’
FAMILY: Dianthus
USES: Used for its showy and sweet scented seasonal flower display. Often used as a bedding or edging plant alongside a path. Also used en masse, in mixed borders, as a container plant, in pots, hanging baskets, window boxes and in courtyards.
SIZE: Depending on the species and variety, it will grow from to 30 – 45cm tall. Fast growing.
LOCATION: Full sun to partial shade. Does well with some protection from direct sea wind or hot, dry desert wind which may cause leaf burn.
SOIL: Best in an organically enriched free draining fertile soil with a pH 5.6 – 6.5, acidic to mildly acidic.
FERTILISER: Apply a half strength liquid 9:2:6 NPK with trace elements every two months starting as soon as the flower buds appear. Watch out for yellowing and adjust with Fe sulphate if required.
WATER: Water weekly and take care to avoid waterlogging as this plant Is quite sensitive which will quickly lead to rot.
Wahat Al Sahraa Nurseries, Al Amardi St., Al Khawaneej, P.O. Box 37579, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
