Herb. No. 242 · Caryophyllaceae
Mediterranean pink; cottage borders from England to the Appalachians.
Native · Mediterranean
Clove pink
Dianthus caryophyllus
Garden flowersKitchenFlowersHarvestCompanions
The clove-scented pink of old knot gardens — petals for syrup and vinegar, a grey-green edge that likes it lean.
Clove pink is the ancestor of the florist carnation. In the kitchen you use the petals, not the bitter white heel. The scent is clove because eugenol lives in both. Cottage pinks (Dianthus plumarius and hybrids) are the hardy border version in zone 6b. Traditional cordial and vinegar recipes are food, not medicine. Keep the plant on the dry, poor side of the path — rich soil makes leaf and a weak neck.
Flavor
Clove, then a faint bitterness if you leave the white base on.
Parts used
Petal (white heel removed)
Helpful
- Hardy perennial edge
- True clove scent
- Cut-and-come-again if deadheaded
Cautions
- Florist bunches are not food
- The white heel is bitter
- Wet winters rot a heavy soil