Lower Risk

Dianthus caryophyllus (Carnation, Pinks)

Dianthus caryophyllus is the wild parent of the widely cultivated Carnation. It is thought to be originally from the Mediterranean (Greece, Italy, Croatia, Albania, Spain) and has been in cultivation for centuries. Carnations have been grown commercially in Australia since 1954. The species is not recorded as naturalised or invasive in Australia, but may have naturalised overseas. Some cultivars and hybrids are considered weeds in some areas. There are three types of carnation cultivars. The ‘Border’ carnations are the most commonly grown in home gardens. Some cultivars have escaped from gardens. There are three genera of butterfly and moth in Australia that can pollinate Dianthus species. Most cultivars are ‘doubles’ with many petals that hide the reproductive parts of the flower. Plants are not self-pollinating and are mostly propagated from seed or cuttings. There are two other species in Australia that have naturalised (D. armeria and D. barbatus).