nejlika

Nejlika, or carnation, is the Swedish common name for the flowering plant Dianthus caryophyllus, a member of the family Caryophyllaceae. The plant is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial widely cultivated for its scented, ruffled blossoms. Leaves are narrow, blue-green to gray-green, and the flowers are borne on tall stems in clusters. They occur in many colors, including red, pink, white and bi-color, and many cultivars are prized for their long-lasting blooms and fragrance.

Native to the Mediterranean region, nejlika has been cultivated for centuries and is now grown worldwide as an ornamental plant. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and tolerates a range of conditions but does not like waterlogged sites. In temperate climates they are often grown as annuals or treated as tender perennials. Propagation is possible by seeds, cuttings or division; gardeners often pinch young plants to encourage branching and deadhead spent blooms to promote rebloom.

Uses include garden borders, bedding and containers, and they are also popular as cut flowers in bouquets and corsages because of their vase life and scent. Symbolically, carnations convey affection and admiration, with color varieties carrying different nuances.

Care notes: maintain good air circulation to reduce disease, water at soil level and avoid wetting the foliage, and monitor for pests such as aphids and spider mites. Dianthus caryophyllus and related cultivars are among the most widely grown carnations, with a diverse range of forms from compact varieties to tall stems suited for bouquets.