Carnation Capitan Cook (Dianthus Caryophyllus)

A beautifully fragrant hardy carnation, Capitan Cook is an easy-to-grow perennial that produces long-lasting, richly coloured flowers throughout the summer months. With repeat flowering over the season, this reliable variety provides months of vibrant blooms and a delightful scent in the garden.

Its compact, clump-forming habit and attractive silvery-blue-green foliage make it a versatile addition to borders, rockeries, raised beds, gravel gardens, and cottage garden schemes. Equally well suited to containers, patio pots, window boxes, and balcony planters, Carnation Capitan Cook brings colour and fragrance to any space.

A pollinator-friendly plant, it attracts bees and butterflies, making it a welcome addition to any wildlife garden. Once established, it is drought tolerant and low maintenance, thriving in sunny, sheltered positions with well-drained soil. Hardy to approximately -15°C, this evergreen perennial provides year-round interest.

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage further blooming. Ideal companion plants include lavender, salvias, and other dianthus varieties.

Supplied as: 1 x Carnation Capitan Cook plant in a 2Ltr root ball, ready for planting out or potting on.

Cultural Information:

• Botanical Name: Dianthus caryophyllus 'Capitan Cook'


• Common Names: Carnation, Clove Pink, Dianthus


• Classification: Hardy Evergreen Perennial


• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 25–40 cm × 25–35 cm


• Growth Habit: Compact, Clump-Forming, Low-Growing


• Perfect For: Borders, Rockeries, Raised Beds, Gravel Gardens, Containers, Cottage Gardens


• Flowering Time: Summer (with repeat flowering through the season)


• Planting Position: Full Sun


• Soil Type: Well-Drained, Neutral to Alkaline


• Hardiness: Hardy to approximately -15°C


• Attracts: Bees, Butterflies and Garden Pollinators


• Foliage: Evergreen, Silver-Blue-Green Leaves


• Fragrance: Yes – Scented Flowers


• Watering: Water Sparingly Once Established; Drought Tolerant

Planting and Care Tips:

• Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with good drainage.


• Water regularly after planting until established, then water sparingly.


• Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.


• Avoid waterlogged soils to prevent root rot.


• Companion plant with lavender, salvias, and other dianthus varieties for a stunning display.

Notes: Available in the Capitan Cook variety, known for its reliable summer flowering and lovely fragrance.