Carnation: The Timeless and Versatile Bloom
Carnations are popular for their long-lasting blooms and clove-like scent. Available in various colours, each has its symbolism: red for admiration, white for purity, and pink for gratitude. Often associated with love and affection, they're a popular choice for celebrations, weddings, and sympathy arrangements. Their ruffled petals, affordability, and durability make them ideal for floral displays.
COMMON NAME
Carnation
BOTANICAL NAME
Dianthus caryophyllus
ORIGIN
Mediterranean region
PEOPLE ALSO CALL IT
Clove Pink, Gilliflower
FLOWERING TIME
Year-round, with peak availability in spring and summer
ASPECT
Full sun
SYMBOLISM
Love, fascination, admiration, gratitude
Care Tips for Cut Carnations
Trim Stems: Cut the stems at an angle before placing them in a vase to allow better water absorption.
Remove Lower Leaves: Remove any leaves that would be submerged in water to prevent bacteria growth.
Use Floral Preservative: Add floral preservative to the water to extend the bloom's life.
Change Water Frequently: Refresh the water every two to three days to keep the flowers fresh and vibrant.
Keep in a Cool Spot: Place the vase in a cool area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, to maximize the lifespan of the blooms.
Symbolism & Meaning
Carnations carry a wide range of meanings depending on their colour. Generally, they symbolise love and affection. Red carnations stand for admiration and deep love, while pink ones convey gratitude and remembrance. White carnations are often associated with purity and innocence, making them suitable for weddings and sympathy arrangements. Historically, carnations have also been used as a symbol of fascination and distinction.
Types of Carnations
There are three main types of carnations: Large-flowered (Standard), Spray (Miniature), and Dwarf varieties.
- The Large-flowered carnations produce a single, large bloom per stem and are most commonly used in bouquets and arrangements.
- Spray Carnations have multiple smaller flowers per stem, making them ideal for adding volume and texture to arrangements.
- Dwarf Carnations are shorter with smaller blooms, often used in potted arrangements or garden borders. Each type offers different possibilities, making carnations suitable for various floral designs and purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carnations
Carnations symbolise a range of emotions and messages, often depending on their colour:
Red Carnations: Admiration, deep love, and affection.
White Carnations: Purity, innocence, and good luck.
Pink Carnations: A mother’s love, gratitude, and remembrance.
Yellow Carnations: Disappointment or rejection.
Purple Carnations: Capriciousness or unpredictability.
Overall, carnations are associated with love and fascination, making them popular choices for expressing affection and admiration in various cultural and social contexts.
Carnations are popular flowering plants from the Dianthus family, known for their fringed petals and wide range of colours, including pink, red, white, yellow, and purple. They are highly valued in floristry for their long-lasting blooms and fragrance. Carnations have a rich history of use in floral arrangements, corsages, and as symbols in various cultures.
Bloom Duration: Carnations can bloom for several weeks, especially if they are well cared for. The flowers typically last 2-3 weeks in a vase when cut and maintained with fresh water and floral food.
Extended Blooming: In the garden, carnations can bloom from late spring to early summer, and some varieties may even rebloom later in the season if the withered flowers are removed.
Versatility in Floristry: Carnations are widely used in bouquets, floral arrangements, and boutonnieres due to their long vase life and variety of colours. They are often used in wedding and event decorations.
Symbolic Meanings: Carnations carry different meanings depending on their colour. For instance, red carnations symbolise admiration and deep love, white carnations represent purity and luck, while pink carnations are associated with gratitude and a mother's undying love.
Medicinal Uses: Historically, carnations were also used in herbal medicine for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. They were used in tea and tinctures to treat ailments like anxiety and digestive issues, although this use is less common today.