Carnations belong to the Dianthus genus. It comprises some 320 species, mainly native to Europe and Asia. The term "Dianthus" was coined by the Greek botanist, Theophrastus of Eresis, from Dios/Διός, for God, and anthos/ἀνθός, for flower. This is the Flower of God, in this case of Jupiter. From the florist's carnation to the Chinese carnation - not forgetting the superb carnation, the poet's carnation or the plumed carnation - these herbaceous these herbaceous plants offer single or double flowers, sometimes fragrant and edible, in a wide range of colors, and are a must in both traditional and wild gardens.
Easy to grow, carnations adapt to a wide range of conditions. Hardy, most carnations are frost-resistant and can withstand summer drought. They enjoy sunny or slightly shady exposures and do well in well-drained, moderately rich soils.
