How to care for your beach carnation (Armeria maritima) - tips and tricks

How to care for your beach carnation (Armeria maritima) - tips and tricks

Location and soil

The carnation loves a sunny location, but doesn't necessarily need a lot of warmth. Even strong winds do not harm it, because many species come from the coastal areas, as the name beach carnation suggests.

also read

  • Plant and care for carnation
  • Carnation prefers a location in full sun
  • Carnation is absolutely hardy

The ideal soil for the carnation is well-drained, sandy-loamy and has a pH value between five and seven. You can compensate for a too high lime content with peat or bog soil. Sand or fine grit (€ 44.95 at Amazon *), on the other hand, loosen it up a little and ensure the necessary permeability.

Water and fertilize

During planting, which, by the way, is quite possible during the entire growing season, mix some horn shavings (€ 6.39 on Amazon *) and / or ripe compost under the soil. Your carnation does not need more fertilizer this year, its nutritional requirements are only moderate.

Water your freshly planted carnation well. Also in the first few days, possibly weeks afterwards, water the plant regularly. If the carnation has grown well, reduce the frequency and the amount of water. The soil can now always dry out slightly between the individual waterings. The use of rainwater is ideal.

The carnation in winter

The beach carnation is considered hardy. It can withstand temperatures of up to - 20 ° C, but a little winter protection is still appropriate. This is how you prevent freeze from damaging your carnation. A light cover with leaves or brushwood is sufficient.

The carnation as a grave plant

Because it is really easy to care for, remains quite low and forms decorative cushions on its own, the carnation is very suitable for grave planting and / or delimitation. There are numerous different varieties that bloom in different colors, so that you have all the options for individual design.

The essentials in brief:

  • sunny, airy location
  • well drained, rather dry and poor soil
  • water moderately
  • fertilize in spring and after flowering

Tips

Cut back your carnation vigorously after the first flowering, so the plant has the opportunity to flower again.