Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) are beloved not only for their classic, ruffled beauty but also for their distinctive, spicy-clove fragrance. This scent is a complex cocktail of volatile organic compounds, primarily eugenol, which is also found in cloves. When selecting cultivars for your US garden, focusing on heirloom varieties and certain classes known for their potent fragrance will yield the most aromatic results. The following cultivars are celebrated for their exceptional scent profiles.
Many of the most fragrant carnations are heirlooms, which have been selected over generations for their powerful scent, a trait sometimes less prioritized in modern breeding focused on form and vase life. A prime example is the 'Grenadin' series. Cultivars like 'Grenadin King of the Blacks' (a deep maroon) and 'Grenadin Rose' are exceptionally fragrant. These plants are hardy perennials in USDA zones 5-9 and produce numerous small, but intensely scented, flowers on strong stems. Another classic is the 'Chabaud' series, often grown as annuals. 'Chabaud Benigna' with its pink-edged white petals and 'Chabaud La France', a soft pink, are renowned for their rich, classic carnation perfume that can fill the air around a garden bed.
While some modern florist carnations have sacrificed scent for longevity, many cultivars within this group retain a powerful fragrance. These are typically grown as annuals or in greenhouses but can be perennial in zones 7-10. Look for standards like 'Cinnamon Red', which boasts a unique, warm, spicy scent that matches its rusty-red coloration. The 'Elegance' series also includes highly fragrant options; 'Elegance Bordeaux' offers a deep purple flower with an intense, sweet-spicy aroma. These varieties often have larger, single blooms on long stems, making them excellent for cutting and bringing their fragrance indoors.
For the ultimate fragrant carnation experience, seek out Malmaison types. Named for the garden of Empress Joséphine Bonaparte, these are the pinnacle of old-fashioned carnation fragrance. They are characterized by large, double, pinkish-white flowers with an unbelievably strong and sweet clove scent. Cultivars like 'Malmaison' itself or 'Princess of Wales' are legendary for their perfume. However, they are more challenging to grow, requiring perfect drainage, alkaline soil, and excellent air circulation to prevent disease. They are best suited for dedicated gardeners in drier climates (zones 7-9) or those who can provide greenhouse-like conditions.
Border Carnations and their hybrids, such as the Dianthus x allwoodii group, are excellent low-growing, clump-forming perennials (zones 4-8) that are remarkably fragrant. While not all are intensely scented, many older cultivars are. 'Doris' is a classic example, with salmon-pink, double flowers and an exceptionally sweet and spicy fragrance. 'Ian' is another, offering a striking contrast of a white flower with a dark maroon eye and a powerful scent. These plants are ideal for the front of a border or a rock garden, where their low-growing, grassy foliage can spread, and their scent can be appreciated at close range.
The intensity of a carnation's fragrance is not static; it is influenced by several plant and environmental factors. The scent is typically strongest in the early morning and late evening. Full sun exposure is crucial, as the volatile compounds that create the fragrance are produced more abundantly when the plant is actively photosynthesizing. Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil is essential for overall plant health, which in turn supports robust scent production. Furthermore, the fragrance is often more potent on dry, warm days compared to cool, damp ones. Proper air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases that can damage the foliage and flowers, indirectly preserving the plant's ability to produce its signature perfume.
