Dianthus caryophyllus Bananaberry Fizz - Carnation seeds

The Dianthus in this selection 'Bananaberryfizz' are florist's carnations with fully double and fringed, highly fragrant flowers, in magenta or banana yellow depending on the plants. They bloom throughout the summer and can be used to create original and fragrant bouquets for the home. These plants are very perennial and hardy, quickly forming dense cushions of fine, often evergreen leaves in a beautiful blue-green shade, that discourages weeds. They are plants that combine strength, frugality, and delicacy. Ideal in flower beds and borders, they tolerate drought and limestone soil.

'Bananaberry Fizz' carnations belong to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is a mix of two recent cultivars from the 'Fizz' series selected by the seed company Thompson & Morgan. They result from cross-breeding between D. plumarius and D. caryophyllus. Dianthus plumarius is a European perennial that is the main ancestor of the various groups of old-fashioned and modern carnations. Dianthus caryophyllus is Mediterranean, and it has passed on to its descendants its wonderful clove fragrance. These carnations grow quite fast, and the plants stand out for their vigour and floriferousness. They will reach an adult height of approximately 60 cm (24in) with a spread of 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24in). These carnations form dense tufts, from which highly fragrant flowers emerge from May to June until September if the soil remains moist, on top of long and sturdy stems. They will be entirely light yellow or entirely magenta red depending on the plants. The linear, smooth, leathery leaves are a superb grey-blue and persist through the winter.

'Bananaberryfizz' carnations are plants for sunny borders and flower beds. In the garden, they can be paired with other flowering cushions such as rock roses, catchflies, bellflowers, Erigeron karvinskianus, and Bloody Cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum). These plants make a lovely addition to containers: they adapt very well to pot cultivation in light soil.