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Clove Pink Wikimedia Commons
Caryophyllaceae

Clove Pink

Dianthus caryophyllus

Divine love.

Family
Caryophyllaceae
Genus
Dianthus
Native to
Mediterranean region
Bloom season
Spring, Summer
Type
perennial
Height
1-2 ft
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
well-drained, alkaline, sandy
Water
low to moderate
Hardiness
6-9
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • The name Dianthus literally means 'flower of the gods' from the Greek words 'dios' (divine) and 'anthos' (flower).
  • Clove pink is the wild ancestor of all modern carnations, which were developed through centuries of breeding.
  • The petals have a spicy clove-like fragrance that was once used to flavor wine and ale in medieval Europe.
  • In the Renaissance, clove pinks were so popular they appeared in countless paintings and tapestries.
  • The spice clove actually got its name from this flower; French 'clou de girofle' refers to the nail-shaped buds.

Color meanings

0

fascination

1

distinction

2

divine love

Uses

  • cut flower
  • fragrant garden plant
  • historical flavoring
  • border plant