The answer to whether all flowers in the genus Dianthus are carnations is no. Carnations are members of the Dianthus genus, but they represent only one specific species within this larger botanical family, which also includes Pinks and Sweet Williams. The genus name, coined by the Greek botanist Theophrastus, means “divine flower.” Ultimately, while all carnations are Dianthus, not all Dianthus are carnations.
The Broad Genus Dianthus
The Dianthus genus contains around 300 to 340 species of flowering plants belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. These plants are predominantly native to Europe and Asia, though some species are also found in North Africa and North America.
All species feature narrow, linear leaves arranged oppositely on the stem, often exhibiting a glaucous, blue-green color. The flowers consistently possess five petals that are typically notched or “frilled” along the edges. This trait is believed to be the origin of the common name “pinks,” as the cuts resemble those made by pinking shears. Many varieties are also known for a strong, spicy, clove-like fragrance.
The Carnation: A Specific Species
The carnation is the species Dianthus caryophyllus, a herbaceous perennial that has been extensively cultivated for over 2,000 years. Its wild ancestor is native to the Mediterranean region, but its exact natural range is now uncertain due to its long history of domestication. The species is distinguished by its taller, upright growth habit, with stems that can reach up to 36 inches in height.
The flowers are often produced singly or in small clusters of up to five blooms on stiff, elongate stems. These flowers are large, typically measuring 2 to 3 inches in diameter, and are prized for their highly fragrant, double, ruffled petals. Modern breeding efforts have led to thousands of cultivars, including florist’s carnations that can reach up to 4 feet tall.
Distinguishing Dianthus Varieties
The carnation (D. caryophyllus) is characterized by its stiff, tall stems and solitary or few-flowered blooms. The popular Pinks (D. plumarius and related hybrids) offer a different form. Pinks are lower-growing, mat-forming perennials that create mounds of blue-green foliage, making them ideal for rock gardens and edging.
Sweet Williams (D. barbatus) also stand apart, as they are often grown as biennials and have a unique floral structure. Instead of solitary blooms, Sweet Williams produce dense, flat-topped flower heads, known as cymes, that are tightly clustered together on top of the stem. The carnation is recognized by its upright height, the Pink by its low foliage, and the Sweet William by its clustered flower head.