Dianthus and carnation are both appendage of the same botanical family , Caryophyllaceae , and they partake many similarities . However , there are a few key departure between these two plants that set them apart .
1 . Appearance : Dianthus flora are herbaceous perennial that typically have slender , grass - alike leave-taking and compact , shaggy-haired increase riding habit . They make little , fragrant flowers with five petals that are often fringe or serrated . On the other manus , carnation plants are typically larger and more vigorous , with broader farewell and magniloquent stems . Their flowers are larger and come in a all-embracing range of coloring , include various shades of pinkish , white , coral , and reddish .
2 . Growth Habit : Dianthus plants are generally low - uprise and form neat , mounded glob . They are often used as adjoin works in garden or in rock’n’roll gardens due to their compact size . carnation , on the other hand , can grow taller and are often used as trim down flowers due to their tenacious stems . Some carnation potpourri can hand heights of up to 24 inches ( 60 cm ) .
3 . culture : Dianthus plants are know for their tolerance to a wide range of growing conditions and are relatively easygoing to cultivate . They prefer well - debilitate soil and full sun pic , but they can also brook some shade . Dianthus works are often grown from seeds or propagate through division . Carnations , on the other manus , are a bit more demanding in term of their growing requirements . They require fertile , well - drain soil and full sun exposure to prosper . gillyflower are ordinarily circularise through prow cuttings or layering .
4 . Fragrance : One notable conflict between genus Dianthus and carnation is their fragrance . Dianthus flowers are renowned for their sweet , spicy scent , which is often report as clove - like . This redolence can be quite unattackable , peculiarly in certain variety show . Carnations , on the other bridge player , have a more subtle scent that is often describe as spicy or peppery .
5 . employment : Both dianthus and carnation efflorescence are popular selection for cut prime arrangements due to their long - last blush and attractive colors . Dianthus flowers are often used in smaller , more delicate arrangement , whereas carnations are more normally used in larger , more stately arrangements . Additionally , genus Dianthus plant are well - suited for stone gardens , borders , and container , while carnations are often develop in flower beds or used as focal points in garden designs .
While genus Dianthus and Dianthus caryophyllus are intimately bear on and share many similarities , there are distinct differences in their appearance , growth habit , cultivation necessary , fragrance , and uses . These difference make each plant unique and suitable for different purpose in the garden .
Caroline Bates
