Carnation - Dianthus

The name dianthus is derived from the Greek ‘dios’ meaning divine, and ‘anthos’ meaning flower – divine flower. For many years they were called ‘Pinks’ or ‘Gilliflower’, a reference to the frilled edges of the petals, which look like they have been cut by pinking shears. Worldwide carnations are one of the best selling cut flowers and they have been sold here in the UK since the 16th century. It’s not surprising that carnations are so popular as they are extremely long-lasting, great value, available all year round and they come in a huge range of colours, many of which are scented too!

There are over 300 species of carnations and hundreds of varieties. They are available as a standard carnation with one large head per stem or as a spray carnation with lots of smaller blooms from one stem. They come in a huge range of colours except for blue but they are popular flowers to dye and some people dye them blue for particular occasions. There are even some genetically-engineered ‘blue’ forms of carnation which were bred in Australia, and they range from pale blue to mauve. Some carnations have a scent similar to cloves, and some types, especially purple carnations, are very fragrant. Most carnations are inexpensive and long-lasting which adds to their popularity.

Flowers Symbolism:

Pink carnations are the emblem of Mother’s Day as they are a symbol of a woman’s love and gratitude. Red carnations stand for admiration and are also a popular gift on Valentine’s Day, along with roses and tulips. White carnations are a great gift to wish good luck to someone and also mean pure love, adoration, remembrance and innocence.

Did you know...

In Canada on Mothering Sunday people wear a red carnation if their mother is alive and a white carnation if their mother has died.

Carnations are the birth flower for the month of January.

According to superstition carnations could tell fortunes. In Korea, a cluster of three carnations would be placed in a girl’s hair and her fortune would be told by the order in which the flowers died. If the bottom flower died first she would be miserable her entire life. If the top one died first, her last years would be very difficult, and if the middle flower died first her early years would be tough.

Carnations are the national symbol of Slovenia.

Symbolic flower for a 1st wedding anniversary.