Dianthus caryophyllus is a classic species of the carnation genus, long grown as a garden and cut flower and often called the “flower of the gods” in reference to its Greek name Dianthus (“divine flower”). It is probably native to the Mediterranean region, although its exact wild range is hard to define because it has been cultivated across Europe and Asia for nearly two thousand years.

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The stems are long, erect and often become woody at the base as the plant matures; they are designed to hold the flowers well above the foliage and to provide strong, straight stems suitable for cutting.

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The leaves are narrow, grey-green to blue-green, borne in opposite pairs along the stems and are adapted to reduce water loss and cope with sunny, relatively dry sites typical of its Mediterranean origin.

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The flowers are typically 3–5 cm across, with many frilled petals and a clove-like spicy fragrance; they are designed to form a ruffled, colourful display that attracts pollinators and also makes a long-lasting ornamental cut flower.

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The root system is a relatively deep taproot with lateral branches that is adapted to anchor the plant firmly and to access water from deeper soil layers, helping the plant withstand periods of drought.