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What were the medicinal uses of carnations?

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The clove gilloflower or carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus Linnaeus) [di an' thus care ee off' e lus] is thought native to the Mediterranean area. It is unknown when these plants were first cultivated. The origins were debated among herbalists 400 years ago.

Joy Hardy Carnation (pink) — Dianthus 'Joy' For year-round beauty and a delightful, extra-long, late spring to early fall blooming season, there are no plants like these bright, cheerful pink carnations for spicing up borders, beds and rock gardens. These hardy perennials are a cinch to grow in any garden and are prized for their prolific blooms and long-lasting, delicately scented cut flowers. Click here - $20 off your first order at Spring Hill Nursery!

John Gerard (The Herbal, 1633 ed.) offered both sides of the argument: "That worthy Herbarist and learned Physitian...Mr. Doctor Turner maketh Caryophyllus to be Cantabrica; which Pliny, lib.23...(actually Pliny's 25th book) writeth to have been found out in Spain about Augustus time, and that by those of Biscay. (Cantabri were natives of northern Spain on the Bay of Biscay.)

"Johannes Ruellius saith, That the Gilloflower was unknown to the old writers: whose judgment is very good, especially because this herb is not like...Cantabrica. It is marvel...that such a famous flower, so pleasant and sweet, should lie hid, and not be made known by the old Writers: which may be thought not inferior to the rose in beauty, smell, and variety."

The plants were highly regarded by Gerard, "The conserve made of the flowers of the Clove Gilloflower and sugar, is exceeding cordial, and wonderfully above measure doth comfort the heart...It prevaileth against the hot pestilential fevers, expelleth the poison and fury of the disease, and greatly comforteth the sick...."

Nicholas Culpeper agreed in his Complete Herbal (1652), "They are gallant, fine, temperate flowers, of the nature and under the dominion of Jupiter...they are great strengtheners both of the brain and heart...."

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia has a photograph of Dianthus caryophyllus. To view the photographs, click on the link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dianthus_caryophyllus

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Hardy Carnation Color Collection

Gurney's Seed and Nursery®

Just Like the Florist Sells – A wonderfully fragrant and long-lasting choice for cutting! Big, fully double flowers are made for bouquets. The frilly blossoms fill the air with a sweetly spicy scent from May through June, perched atop sturdy foot-high stems. Very adaptable and easy to grow, best, planted in full to partial sun.

With this collection, you'll receive three each of these five varieties: Red, Pink, Salmon, White, and Yellow. Potted plants. Zone 3 to 8 Click here - $20 off your first order at Gurneys!
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Sweet William

Springhill Nursery®

Cottage garden favorite in shades of red, pink white and bicolor grows 12-15” high. Carnation-like flowers appear in late spring to early summer and have a mildly spicy fragrance.

#1 field-grown plant. Deer tend to avoid.

Dianthus barbatus Click here - $20 off your first order at Spring Hill Nursery!

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Dianthus, 'Firewitch'

Springhill Nursery®

The 2006 Perennial Plant of the Year! Bright raspberry-colored flowers and striking mounds of steel blue foliage create a lovely accent in any garden. Grows 7-9” high and flowers for several weeks in late spring to summer. Shipped in 3” pot. Deer tend to avoid.

Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Firewitch’ Click here - $20 off your first order at Spring Hill Nursery!

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Sweetness Dianthus

Gurney's Seed and Nursery®

Blooms First Year. – Fragrant flowers cover 8 in. plants from July-Sept. Colorful mix includes pink, rose, crimson and white. Hardy perennial.

Click here - $20 off your first order at Gurneys!
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Zing Rose Dianthus

Gurney's Seed and Nursery®

Rosy Red Hot Bloomer! – For flowers over the long haul! Grows 6-8 inches high, covered with rose-red blooms summer to frost. Fills an area fast--use as a ground cover or an edging for sunny to partially sunny sidewalks.

Click here - $20 off your first order at Gurneys!
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Hardy Carnation Collection

Springhill Nursery®

Dianthus – For a garden bursting with color through an extra-long blooming season, plant the entire Hardy Carnation Collection of all five varieties. Three of each:

Red Rocket...scarlet
Ballerina...white
Joy...pink
Diana...salmon
Laced Romeo...red and white

Multiply annually for increased beauty year after year. All are extremely hardy and grow 15-20" tall, spreading 12-18".

Shipped in 3" pots. Deer tend to avoid. Zone 3 to 9

The Hardy Carnation Collection includes three each of the following varieties:

Red Rocket Hardy Carnation (scarlet) (3), Cheerful scarlet red carnations spice up borders, beds and rock gardens..
Ballerina Hardy Carnation (3), Sparkling white flowers bloom prolifically, even in their first season..
Joy Hardy Carnation (pink) (3), Color, Charm and Fragrance for the Entire Summer! Foliage is handsome all season long..
Diana Hardy Carnation (3), Long-lasting salmon blooms give your garden a country cottage look. Foliage is handsome all season..
Laced Romeo Hardy Carnation (3), Deep red flowers fringed with creamy white--spectacular! Foliage is handsome all season..

One collection includes 15 plants! Click here - $20 off your first order at Spring Hill Nursery! [ Click here to view more Carnations! ] [ Click here to view All Perennials! ]