Carnations are classic cottage garden flowers treasured for their ruffled, fragrant blooms in shades of white, pink, red and purple But did you know there are also trees that produce flowers resembling colorful carnations? Let’s unravel the mysteries of these majestic trees that bear blooms with an unexpected resemblance to carnations
Getting to Know Carnations
First, a quick primer on carnations to understand their distinctive features:
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Carnations belong to the genus Dianthus in the Caryophyllaceae family.
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There are over 300 species, including
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Carnations – Large, double flowers prized for cut bouquets.
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Pinks – Frilly single or semi-double blooms in clusters.
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Sweet Williams – Dense flat-topped clusters of tiny flowers.
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Carnations are herbaceous perennials or short-lived perennials with gray-green grassy leaves.
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The ruffled flowers bloom in spring and summer, with a spicy, clove-like scent.
Now that we’re familiar with carnations, let’s explore the trees that produce similar frilly blooms.
Trees Mimicking Carnations
Here are some of the main trees with flowers resembling carnations:
Peony Trees
One of the most common trees with carnation-like blooms is the peony tree. There are two main types:
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Tree peonies – Small woody shrubs reaching 4-5 feet tall. Large flowers in white, pink, red or yellow.
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Chinese tree peonies – Small trees growing to 15 feet tall. Massive blooms up to 10 inches wide.
The big, lush flowers have multiple layers of tissue-paper petals that closely resemble carnations. Tree peonies bloom in late spring to early summer.
Southern Magnolia Trees
Southern magnolias also produce flowers with a strong resemblance to carnations. The large, creamy white blooms emerge as the leaves unfold in spring and early summer. The petals are thick and waxy with a lemony fragrance.
Southern magnolias are large trees, growing 60-80 feet tall. The magnolia flowers can reach dinner plate size, up to 12 inches across!
Crape Myrtle Trees
Many crape myrtle cultivars produce flowers that look nearly identical to carnations. The ruffled, crepe-like blooms come in shades of white, pink, red and purple.
Crape myrtles are small trees, growing 15-25 feet tall. The summer-blooming flowers appear in panicles at the branch tips, creating a cloud of colorful flowers.
Catalpa Trees
Catalpa trees surprise with their carnation-shaped flowers in late spring. The showy white blooms have purple spots and streaks inside.
Catalpas are fast-growing trees reaching 30-40 feet tall. Their large leaves give them a tropical look. After the flowers fade, long seed pods develop.
Caring for Trees with Carnation Blooms
These trees with carnation-style flowers have similar care needs:
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Plant in full sun for the heaviest flower production.
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Provide moderately moist, well-draining soil.
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Prune to shape in late winter before spring growth begins.
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Watch for aphids, scale, and caterpillars on new growth.
Enjoying the Flowers
Part of the magic of these trees is their unexpected carnation-shaped blooms. The ruffled flowers seem otherworldly emerging from trees rather than a flower bed!
Add one of these small flowering trees to your landscape to enjoy gorgeous carnation-like blooms every spring and summer. You’ll delight in the way these flowers capture the beauty of carnations on regal, towering trees.
Other Notable Flowers That Resemble Carnations
While peony, magnolia, crape myrtle and catalpa trees may be the most iconic for their carnation-esque blooms, there are other flowers that bear a resemblance as well:
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Rose mallow – A flowering shrub with hibiscus-like blooms.
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Mountain laurel – An evergreen shrub with umbrella-shaped flower clusters.
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Fringe tree – A small ornamental tree with fluffy white flower tassels.
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Mock orange – A spring-blooming shrub with carnation-shaped white flowers.
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Spirea – A diverse group of shrubs with dense plumes of tiny carnation-like blooms.
So next time you admire carnations in the garden, look around for their arboreal cousins blooming gracefully overhead. Trees with carnation flowers add whimsical charm and natural beauty to any landscape.
Shop Wayside Gardens’ Collection of Dianthus
Dianthus grataniapolitensis (Cheddar Pinks)
Commonly known as cheddar pinks, these types of carnations are low-growing (5-6” in height) evergreen perennials. The fragrant pink flowers appear in spring. Native to central and western Europe, the plants do well in full sun but do not tolerate soil that is too wet or cold. Their dense, deer-resistant growth makes them ideal for ground cover, borders, and rock gardens.
Carnation Trees Floral Arrangement DIY Tutorial
FAQ
What tree has flowers like carnations?
The Kwanzan cherry has captivating pink double flowers resembling a carnation.
What cherry tree looks like a carnation?
Your new Kwanzan Cherry Tree blooms in huge clusters of 3 to 5 flowers. These clusters are the thickest of all pink trees and resemble carnations in hue and volume. Kwanzans begin to bloom in April, with full florals that can last weeks at a time.
What flower looks similar to a carnation?
Camellia (Camellia japonica) Camellias are beloved for their large, rounded flowers with beautifully overlapping petals that resemble carnations in their fullness and elegance. Each bloom appears carefully sculpted, with layers of silky-smooth petals creating a rosette-like form that exudes grace and sophistication.
Is dianthus carnation a perennial?
Dianthus caryophyllus is a herbaceous perennial plant growing up to 80 cm (32 in) tall. The leaves are glaucous greyish green to blue-green, slender, up to 15 cm (6 in) long.
What flowers mimic carnations?
An annual plant that mimics carnations is called China Pink, Dianthus Chinensis. These easy to grow flowers bloom from late spring to early summer and thrive in full light and soil that drains well. Shades of pink, white, and red are among the many colors that China Pinks have to offer.
What plants are similar to carnations?
Catchfly Catchfly is another perennial plant that’s similar to Carnations. It has two varieties – biennial and perennial plants. You can grow any of the varieties depending on your location. The plant produces white and deep red blooms in the summer and has five petals that turn into an urn-shaped calyx.
What are the different types of carnation flowers?
These alternatives are perfect for creating unique bouquets or adding variety to your garden. From petal structure to colour patterns and growth habits, each flower brings its own unique appeal while mimicking the carnation’s signature style. 1. Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) 2. Garden Pinks (Dianthus plumarius) 3.
Why are carnations called Dianthus?
The formal name for carnation, dianthus, comes from Greek for “heavenly flower”, or the flower of Jove. Carnations are often worn on special occasions, especially Mother’s Day and weddings.
What does a carnation flower look like?
They resemble the carnation in different ways, but mostly in their features, as their petals are crooked and wide at their tops, slimming down as they get to the center. This flower is a beautiful one that would thrive as long as it is in full sun, and proper watering is given to it.
What do carnations smell like?
Carnations are prized for their vibrant colors, delicate fringed petals, and fragrance. The scent of carnations is often described as spicy, clove-like, or reminiscent of a combination of cinnamon and nutmeg, hence the common name “clove pink”. This aroma has made carnations a popular choice for use in perfumes, potpourri, and scented products.