{"product_id":"oscar-cherry-velvet-carnation-dianthus-caryophyllus-oscar-cherry-velvet","title":"Oscar Cherry \u0026 Velvet Carnation - Dianthus caryophyllus 'Oscar Cherry \u0026 Velvet'","description":"\u003cp\u003eOscar Cherry \u0026amp; Velvet Carnation (\u003cem\u003eDianthus caryophyllus\u003c\/em\u003e 'Oscar Cherry \u0026amp; Velvet') is a compact, long-flowering carnation about 20cm high and wide. Its full double flowers have zigzag-edged petals in deep rose-pink with darker wine-purple centres and a sweet, spicy clove scent. It blooms through spring and summer and tolerates heat and frost, which makes it a dependable choice for pots, rockeries and cottage borders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA rich, velvety colour.\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep rose-pink petals shade to wine-purple centres, a darker and moodier look than the pale pinks most carnations offer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClove-scented flowers.\u003c\/strong\u003e The sweet, spicy fragrance carries on warm days, so it earns a place beside a path, seat or doorway.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact and neat.\u003c\/strong\u003e At 20cm high and wide it stays tidy, with slender leaves forming a low cushion under the flowers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMonths of bloom.\u003c\/strong\u003e Flowers come through spring and summer, and regular feeding keeps the display going.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMade for heat and cold.\u003c\/strong\u003e It is bred to cope with hot summers, and mature plants shrug off frost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePots and containers.\u003c\/strong\u003e One plant suits a small pot, and three fit a 30cm bowl or window box. Stand it in full sun, where the scent builds around a patio table.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCottage garden borders and edging.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant 25cm apart along the front of a bed. The plants knit into a low flowering edge that softens paths and paving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRockeries and sensory gardens.\u003c\/strong\u003e Sharp drainage and alkaline soil suit it, and the clove scent earns it a spot where people brush past.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Oscar Cherry \u0026amp; Velvet Carnation in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to part shade, with the best flowering in sun. Mature plants tolerate frost, but protect young plants from hard frost in their first winter. In humid summers, give it airflow and avoid wetting the foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e A loamy, sandy, free draining soil with a neutral to alkaline pH gives the best results. On heavy clay or acid ground, grow it in a raised bed or a pot of good potting mix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Mulch and water regularly until it is established, which usually takes around 12 weeks. After that, water when the top few centimetres dry out. Regular feeding with a liquid or slow release fertiliser promotes healthy growth and more blooms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Pinch off spent flowers to keep new buds coming, and trim lightly after the main flush to hold the cushion shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe sell Oscar Cherry \u0026amp; Velvet Carnation as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small plant, so allow around 12 weeks of regular watering and mulching while it settles in. Flowers build as the plant gains size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/fragrant-plants\"\u003eMore fragrant plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/rockery-plants\"\u003ePlants for rockeries\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/creating-a-beautiful-cottage-garden-in-australia-insiders-guide\"\u003eHow to create a cottage garden in Australia\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-pots\"\u003ePlants for pots and containers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it safe for pets?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Carnations are mildly toxic to dogs and cats and can cause stomach upset if eaten, so keep pots out of reach of pets that like to chew plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow long does it flower?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough spring and summer. Removing spent flowers and feeding regularly encourages more buds and keeps the plant flowering for longer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat soil does it need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLight, free draining soil that is neutral to alkaline. It dislikes wet feet, so on clay or acid soil use a raised bed or a pot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"Tube (Backorder)","offer_id":67787193778495,"sku":"DIA-CAR-OSCARC-tube","price":14.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/oscar-cherry-velvet-carnation-dianthus-caryophyllus-oscar-cherry-velvet.jpg?v=1792151554","url":"https:\/\/nurserynearme.com.au\/products\/oscar-cherry-velvet-carnation-dianthus-caryophyllus-oscar-cherry-velvet","provider":"Nursery Near Me","version":"1.0","type":"link"}