Managing Pests in Gardens: Floriculture: Carnation

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Carnation—Dianthus caryophyllus
Family Caryophyllaceae (Carnation family)

Plant Identification

Carnations are perennial plants grown as borders for shrubs or in containers. They have double flowers that may be white, pink, purple, red, yellow, or orange. Flowers bloom in spring through early summer and attract butterflies. Leaves are bluish green and stems are leafy with a woody base.

Optimum conditions for growth

Carnations require rich, well-drained soil. They can do well in full sun but require light shade in very hot areas. Carnations need regular water. Many perform best when plant supports are provided.

Carnation blossoms and flower buds

Pests and disorders of Dianthus caryophyllus
Invertebrates Aphids Black bean aphid Foxglove aphid Green peach aphid Cyclamen mite Foliage-feeding caterpillars Beet armyworm Cabbage looper Carnation leafroller Greenhouse leaftier Obliquebanded leafroller Omnivorous leaftier Tobacco budworm Variegated cutworm Gall and bud mites Carnation bud mite Leafminers Root knot nematodes Root knot nematode Root lesion nematode Soft scales Brown soft scale Spider mites Twospotted spider mite Thrips Western flower thrips Weevils Fuller rose beetle	Diseases Alternaria blight Armillaria root rot Bacterial wilt Botrytis blight (gray mold) Downy mildew Fasciation Fusarium wilt Leaf spots Fariy-ring leaf spot Septoria leaf spot Powdery mildew Root, crown, stem rot Rust Viruses Carnation latent Carnation mottle Carnation necrotic fleck Carnation ringspot Carnation streak virus Impatiens necrotic spot virus Tomato spotted wilt virus Environmental disorders Nutrient disorders Water excess or deficiency Weeds Vertebrates

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How to Manage Pests

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Carnation—Dianthus caryophyllus Family Caryophyllaceae (Carnation family)

Plant Identification

Optimum conditions for growth

Invertebrates

Diseases

Environmental disorders

Weeds

Vertebrates

Carnation—Dianthus caryophyllus
Family Caryophyllaceae (Carnation family)