Dianthus caryophyllus Benigna

The 'Chabaud Benigna' Florist's Carnation is an old French variety of Dianthus caryophyllus. Its white flowers edged with pink, with a distinctive clove fragrance, are double and large. They bloom in summer on top of long 80 cm stems, perfect for creating elegant bouquets. Ideal for borders and flowerbeds, these plants tolerate drought and limestone, but will flower more with regular watering.

The 'Chabaud Benigna' Florist's Carnation belongs to the caryophyllaceae family. It is an old French variety dating back to 1904. The species, Dianthus caryophyllus, is a Mediterranean plant that has passed down to its descendants, among other things, its wonderful recognizable clove fragrance. The growth of these 'Chabaud Benigna' carnations is quite fast, and the plants stand out for their vigor and floriferousness. They will reach an adult height of approximately 80 cm, with a spread of 50 to 60 cm. These carnations form dense clumps, from which fragrant flowers emerge from June to July, and continue until September if the soil remains moist, on top of long and sturdy stems, usually with a single flower. The linear, glabrous, leathery leaves are a beautiful grey-blue colour and remains evergreen throughout winter.

The 'Chabaud Benigna' Dianthus is a plant for sunny flowerbeds that combines strength, frugality, and delicacy. Placed near the house, it releases its sweet fragrance, and even more so when used in bouquets inside the house, especially because this variety is highly fragrant. In the garden, it pairs well with other flowering cushions such as rock roses, silenes, bellflowers, Erigeron karvinskianus, and Bloody Cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum). Also consider Catmints, Columbines, and Scabious. Add some clumps of ornamental grasses. These plants also adapt well to container gardening, as long as there is proper drainage and watering, with occasional fertiliser application.