Lush carnation: description, planting, care and reproduction

Lush carnation (Latin Dianthus superbus) is a perennial ornamental plant with medicinal properties. Translated from Latin means "divine flower". This name was given for a reason, because this plant has an unusually beautiful and sophisticated shape. It is this carnation that can be distinguished from other species by its flower. Looks great in the composition of the bouquet. Ideal for decorating rocky alpine slides, flower beds, borders, balconies.

Lush carnation belongs to the Clove family. It has single or numerous stems ascending at the base, cord-like, thin creeping rhizome. The flower is a combination of 5 carved petals in one inflorescence of pink, purple or white. Blooms in the first year of life. The size of the inflorescence is small - 4-7 cm. They can be on the stem from 1 to 9 pieces. They all have a delicate, sweet aroma. Flowering begins in June and lasts until the end of July. The height of the stem can reach 60 cm. The fruits of the plant are oblong capsules with small seeds, which ripen closer to September.

In nature, carnation prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Loves the sun and partial shade. Unpretentious, it grows in meadows, mountains, sparse parts of the forest, forest-steppe zone. It can be found in Central Europe, the Far East, Western and Eastern Siberia, and Ukraine.

In some regions of Russia, such as Tambov, Kursk, Lipetsk, Belgorod and Saratov, it is listed in the Red Book. It is forbidden there to plow untouched steppes, graze livestock on them, mow grass ahead of time, planting forest plantations in the territory of carnation growth. Measures are being taken to identify new habitats of the plant, which are subsequently protected. Successful cultivation of the species in 15 botanical gardens in Russia can serve as material for breeding work.

Propagation by seeds of this plant is the most favorable and convenient way. Seeds collected in September are usually sown in late February - early March. To do this, you need to slightly fertilize and moisten the soil. The seeds are spread directly onto the open ground. All this is covered with foil or vermiculite. After a week, the first shoots will sprout. They must be protected from cold and drafts. Already in May, they will reach a certain growth, and they can be planted as an independent plant, but the average air temperature should be at least 10 degrees.

For good growth and beautiful, vibrant flowering, you need to choose a sunny or slightly shaded place. Landing should be in an unlimited space. If it is a pot, it must be large, with a tray for the outflow of water. The plant does not tolerate stagnant moisture. Poor flowering begins if there are sudden changes in temperature. So that the flower bed of carnations does not change its splendor, it is necessary to plant young seedlings every 2 years.

Lush carnation prefers peaty or loamy soil without high acidity. But if suddenly you have acidic soil, be sure to add dolomite flour before planting. This will raise the level of magnesium in the soil. If the soil is fertile, then it will be useful to add peat and sand to it. For feeding, organic and mineral fertilizers are used once a month, for the entire flowering period.

It is recommended to water the cloves 2 times a week, but if it is very hot, more can be done. Watering must be at the root. The plant does not like moisture on leaves or flowers. The flower hibernates well, tolerates frosts up to 20 degrees. But it is better to beware of temperature drops and glaciers. To do this, it will be useful to cover the plants for the winter in the usual way - to prepare a flooring of leaves or simply sprinkle it with a small layer of earth.

Too much watering or moisture in the air can provoke the appearance of pests. Spider mites and aphids are most common for carnations. You can eliminate them by spraying the plant with disinfectants. If yellow or black dots appear on the shoots, then infection with rot is possible. When this symptom appears, it is necessary to urgently remove the affected shoots, in order to avoid infection of healthy ones.

The use of lush cloves in folk medicine is very common. All parts of it have numerous medicinal properties. A decoction made from its flowers is used for skin rashes, for inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes. They are treated with burns. Preparations based on clove roots exhibit diaphoretic and analgesic effects. Elimination of childhood cramps and treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system is possible with the help of plant seeds. Clove tea is taken for coughs or choking.

Aromatic essential oils are made from carnation inflorescences. They contain a large number of honey glands, which contributes to a huge amount of nectar secretion. Up to 44 mg can be extracted from one flower. The roots of the plant are rich in vitamins A, B and C. The leaves contain very large amounts of carotene and ascorbic acid. Fresh juice from the flowers of the plant treats liver diseases, the consequences of unsuccessful childbirth.

In Spain, the carnation flower was the subject of a secret rendezvous. The lady chose a certain color of the flower, fastened it to her chest. Thus, the gentleman knew the meeting place by the color of the flower. In Japan, lush carnation is a symbol of the village of Kawakita and one of the country's 7 traditional flowers. The expression "yamato-nadesiko" is formed by the hieroglyphs "yamato", which means "nationalism of Japan", and "nadesiko" - "lush carnation." In general, it means the ideal of a Japanese woman in a traditional society.

In general, lush carnation is an unpretentious and easy-care plant. Delicate flowers are like feathers, they will decorate your garden or windowsill. Ideal for decorating an alpine slide or balcony. A bouquet of this carnation will be a gorgeous gift. The main thing is to provide the plant with the necessary care, and it will delight you with its wonderful aroma and abundant flowering.

See below for proper carnation care.