Tufted hairless perennial. Leaves to about 1.5 cm long, slightly waxy blue. Flowers in clusters of 1-5, fragrant. Calyx mostly 2.5-3 cm long. Epicalyx bracts 4 or 6 extending into a long point. Petal blades 1-1.5 cm long, irregularly toothed, beardless.

Origin uncertain but probably Mediterranean

Carnations are usually available as cultivars that are extremely variable in colour and shape and many have double flowers.

Source: Glancy, A.; Spencer, R. (1997). Dianthus. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 2. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 1. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.