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This annual has a short and tufted habit with erect upright stems from the base. It has grey-green lanced-shaped leaves and the pink, red and lavender wheel-shaped flowers appear in a open cluster above the foliage during spring. Dianthus chinensis is naturally found from Europe to Asia and Africa growing in well drained, fertile moist light soils that are tending neutral with a pH range from 6.0 to 7.5. It prefers an sunny wind protected position and is frost and drought tender. Carnations and its cultivars are grown for their flowers and are used as a bedding plant in small or large gardens. They are also planted in pots and tubs and is ideal for cottage gardens with showy spring flowers. It is commercially grown as a cut flower and is popular with florists. Once established it has a high water requirement (Scale: 3-drops from 3), responding to mulch and an occasional deep watering during dry periods, particularly for young plants.