Once dismissed as old-fashioned bedding plants, carnations and their wider family, Caryophyllaceae, are making a surprising comeback in British gardens. While their presence as cut flowers in petrol station forecourts has enjoyed a semi-ironic trend for some time, horticulturalists are now championing their appeal for domestic planting, citing their hardiness and charming aesthetic.
Varieties such as Rose Campion, a close relative, are demonstrating their resilience and ecological benefits. Despite not being intentionally planted, one such specimen recently thrived in a previously parched garden, transforming it into a vibrant habitat for moths, grasshoppers, and bees. As biennials, these plants take two seasons to progress from seed to flower, suggesting that their initial appearance may go unnoticed until their bloom.
The growing appreciation for these flowers extends to institutional gardens. Murray Edwards College in Cambridge, known for its extensive grounds, features Sweet Williams prominently in its cutting beds. Head gardener Caitlin Sparksman and her team incorporate these bushy, brightly coloured flowers alongside poppies, cosmos, and sweetpeas, demonstrating their ability to blend seamlessly into both traditional cottage garden styles and more contemporary arrangements, while also lasting well as cut flowers.
For those looking to integrate these resilient blooms into their own gardens, now is an opportune time to sow biennial varieties like Sweet Williams for a display next summer. These plants are widely regarded as simple to cultivate, often recommended for children due to their ease of growth and hardiness. They can be sown directly into prepared ground, requiring only initial weeding and watering to ensure establishment. While foliage will develop in the first year, the vibrant flowers will emerge in the subsequent season.
The versatility and low-maintenance nature of the Caryophyllaceae family, including specific Dianthus barbatus varieties, are encouraging gardeners to reconsider their planting choices. Their ability to thrive with minimal intervention and contribute to biodiversity makes them a valuable addition to any garden, from formal borders to wildflower patches.