Carnations Flowers – Origin, Types, Care & More

Are you January-born? You will be amazed to know that Carnations are heavenly flowers associated as the January birth flower and say a lot about you being loyal, devoted, and loving, just like their persona.

You must have been gifted with a carnation bouquet, corsage, or boutonniere on some occasion. These floral gems have been treasured for their colourful, long-lasting blooms and sweet aroma for centuries.

Besides, their universal symbolism and easy care nature make them an exuberant addition to your indoor plants, balcony gardens, and have captured the hearts of flower enthusiasts and plant lovers with their connotation of love, devotion, and fascination.

Ahead, take a tour of this article to unfold the charm of these garden bloomers and their meaning, symbolism, and significance worldwide.

Explore the Origin and History of Carnations

Scientifically known as Dianthus Caryophyllus, it is a herbaceous perennial that belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae.

Commonly names as gillyflower, clove gillyflower, sweet william, and clove pink, it is a long-stemmed flower with fringed petals, available in hundreds of varieties and many colors of the rainbow.

Origin of Carnations

Imbibed in its roots and religion, Dianthus is derived from a Greek word, ‘dios’ meaning God and ‘anthos’ meaning flower, thereby known as the Flower of the Gods. 

Believed to have been cultivated over the last 2000 years, it originated from Mediterranean regions, whereas the wild carnations are native to countries like Portugal, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Albania, Greece, and Turkey.

The flower can be traced back to initially being mentioned in ancient Greek literature, and gradually, the enigmatic charm of this bloom was used to express a myriad of emotions, nationwide.

From Greek Myths to Modern Gardens – A Carnation History

The tale of Carnations began with the ancient Romans, who used these petaled beauties in garlands and crowns. It was referred to as corone and was worn as a crown in religious ceremonies and rituals.

Do you know there is an anecdote about these florets?

It is believed that the Greek Goddess Diana once fell in love with a shepherd, who did not reciprocate her feelings, which angered her. Carnations are said to have emerged from the remains of the shepherd when she plucked his eyes and threw him off for revenge.

Likewise, Christianity mentions these flowers to have sprouted from the tears of the Virgin Mary, as she watched Jesus carry the cross. 

Aren’t you in awe after being familiarised with these chronicles? Today, these bold, beautiful blooms are used to modernize and transform your boring gardens into a vibrant and redolent place.

Carnation Flower Meaning Across Cultures & Traditions

Flowers have been a hidden language for expressing unsaid emotions for centuries. Like roses, peace lilies, orchids, and tulips, these God’s flowers are also associated with a wide range of heartfelt emotions. 

Let’s glance over the significance and symbolism of these pretty petals across different cultures and traditions.

• During the Victorian Era, when blooms were often used to deliver secretive feelings, any solid-tinted gillyflowers would imply ‘yes’, but yellow carnations would mean ‘no’.

• In Korean culture, it is used for fortune-telling of young girls. Many people use the red and pink ones to celebrate Teacher’s Day and Parents’ Day.

• Dianthus caryophyllus holds a huge place in Chinese culture. It is included in their wedding rituals and decorations.

• In Portugal, the red caryophyllus represented a symbol of unity and the Carnation Revolution movement in 1974.

• People in Japan and the United States make use of red and pink carnations to express love and gratitude, especially to mothers on Mother’s Day.

• In France, unlike other places, these dianthus blooms have distinct meanings and are used to express grief, empathy, and condolences.

Do You Know

• Green Carnations hold a special importance in St. Patrick’s Day celebration and are worn by many people, symbolising luck and prosperity.

• Carnations are the national flower of Slovenia, Spain, and Monaco

• Colombia is the largest producer of Carnations in the world.

You have learned about the various significances of these blooms in different places of the world. But it’s important to understand the true essence and symbolism of this nature’s bliss before presenting it to your loved ones.

What do Carnations Symbolize?

Every Carnation color enfolds a series of enclosed feelings and emotions. Many times, the purity and innocence associated with these pretty petals are exchanged to grace occasions like Mother’s Day.

Delve into this article to gain insight into the heartfelt gestures this flower symbolises.

1. Pink Carnation Meaning

Pink is commonly accepted for expressing platonic love, gratitude, and a gesture of thanks. Symbolism of mother’s unconditional love, it’s a language for innocence, sweetness, and admiration.

2. Yellow Carnation Meaning

Distinct from others, the yellow ones radiate the emotion of rejection and contempt. In case you ever receive a yellow variety, it indicates that the giver is disappointed with you.

3. White Carnation Meaning

White varieties of these blooms are commonly accepted for purity, innocence, and simplicity. If you are looking to express to someone that he or she is cute, these are the best ways.

Different from the rest of the world, people in China and Japan make use of white carnations to symbolise sadness and grief.

4. Red Carnation Meaning

Red varieties are used to express feelings of love, admiration, and affection. Be it your spouse, partner, mother, or any loved ones, these evoke the essence of love and connection.

5. Purple Carnations Meaning

Unlike gothic flowers, which include dark purple blooms and are symbolic of royalty, mystery, elegance, and macabre, these purple flowers are the representatives of uncertainty, instability, and capriciousness.

However, in France, these purple blooms are associated with funerals and deaths.

6. Blue Carnations Meaning

It extends the emotion and feelings of devotion, peace, and righteousness. The charm of these blooms highlights the perseverance to surpass the situation with positivity and peace.

Also, the sense of commitment and devotion in these blue petals makes it an appropriate offering for restoring harmony and developing new relations. 

7. Orange Carnation Meaning

A bunch of orange-hued caryophyllus evokes the feeling of warmth, celebration, happiness, success, and encouragement. 

On occasions like promotions, increments, milestones, convocations, and ceremonies, you can offer these orange flowers to express your emotions. In short, these are a bundle of celebrations in disguise.

Besides, being a carrier of so many heartfelt emotions, these are so much more than just mere blooms. Let us sail further in our blog to uncover the pros of keeping this blossoming plant in our home.

Benefits of Carnation Flowers Beyond Beauty

Do you know Dianthus Caryophyllus is edible and is used to treat several ailments? 

Yes, there are numerous health benefits of keeping this living plant in your home, and at the same time, it elevates your home decor. These botanical wonders are simply an exemplar of beauty with benefits. Let us take a close look at some positive aspects of keeping this plant.

1. Health Benefits

• In many places, the essential oil extracted from these petals has many therapeutic benefits and is used to treat various skin and dental ailments.

• These plants are nothing less than medicinal plants, as they are used for treating nervous and coronary disorders. 

• The petals of the plant are used for preparing tea in various places. It is found to be very beneficial in reducing anxiety and stress levels, and helps in the relaxation of swollen muscles and high body chills.

• Abundant in anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants, these are beneficial in fighting free radicals that promote cancer cells.

2. Culinary Benefits

• Floral leaves are used for making certain sweeteners like jams, syrups, and liqueurs, which are used in desserts and cocktails.

• Delightful colors of the petals make them an excellent element for garnishing salads, desserts, and beverages.

• The petals infused with hot water are also consumed in the form of tea at many places.

Toxicity Alert!
As per ASPCA, wild Carnations are considered mildly toxic to dogs and cats, and can lead to vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. Ensure to monitor your pet’s behaviour around these blooms.

3. Ornamental Benefits

• The vibrant colours and fragrance make them a crown jewel amongst your ordinary houseplants and help to transform your home garden into a delightful retreat.

• These flowers are one of the long-lasting blooms, and can stay fresh for two weeks. Their longevity and versatility encourage busy plant lovers to balance their work with houseplant care.

• They help you elevate your home’s appearance through their flexible landscaping uses, be it gracing container pots, patios, shelves, or backyards. 

You can also modernise your traditional homes by gracing the corners of your house and pairing them with your favourite frames and sculptures.

The list does not end here. Interestingly, the aroma of this divine flower is reminiscent of a warm, spicy clove-like scent, which is extensively used in making perfumes, cosmetics, and potpourri. 

With so many uses and benefits, you must be thinking of bringing these petaled charms to your home. Before you do, help yourself pick your favourite by learning the types and varieties. 

10 Different Types of Carnations for Every Season

Did you know, Carnations do not come back every year? Like many flowering bulbs and plants, like zinnias and marigolds, a few varieties of Dianthus are often categorised as annuals, which only last for one or two years, while others are categorized as perennials, which can thrive for several years and bloom repeatedly. 

Broadly, these flowering plants are categorized into three types: Large Flowers (single large bloom on each stalk), Dwarf Flowers (the smallest varieties), and Spray Flowers (each stalk with multiple small blooms).

Take a close look at a few cultivars of these flowering plants and choose your pick for your indoor and outdoor gardens. 

Types of Dianthus Caryophyllus
Image	Botanical Name	Hardiness Zone (USDA)	Height
	D. caryophyllus ‘Chabaud Blend’	6-9	18-24 inches
	D. caryophyllus ‘Wp08lan04’	5-9	8-10 inches
	D. caryophyllus ‘KLEDP15179’	6+	10-12 inches
	Dianthus ‘Peppermint Star’ (Noreen)	5-9	6-9 inches
	D. caryophyllus ‘Wp15 Pie41’	5-9	12-18 inches
	D. caryophyllus ‘W909 Wen04’	5-9	9 inches
	D. caryophyllus ‘Can Can Scarlet F1’	5-10	12-14 inches
	D. caryophyllus ‘Paint The Town Magenta’	4-9	6-8 inches

With an average height of 6-24 inches and 10-14 inches of spread, these florets can embrace your layouts from late spring through summer. Each variety has its own glamour and appeal and adds a season-long visual interest in your home gardens as well as outdoor living areas.

How to Bloom Carnations? A Step-By-Step Growing & Caring Guide

Known as short-lived perennials, these fringed-petaled flowers can yield long-lasting blooms and a year-long display, given the right care and optimal conditions.

Comparatively, dianthus is easier to care for than other herbaceous flowering plants like peony flowers, calathea, orchids, or clematis. Do not worry, if you are not an experienced gardener, you can easily grow and care for your carnations with some optimal growing and caring needs detailed below in our article.

Ultimate Guidelines to Grow & Care for D. caryophyllus
Light	It blooms to its full potential under plenty of sunlight, although a few hours of partial shade is also preferred. Direct sunlight of about 5-6 hours is sufficient.  Scorching heat rays can damage the plants. Ensure to equip them with some shade during extreme heat waves.
Watering	Consistent watering is essential during the spring, when the new buds are developing. During the dry spell, ensure to moisten the base of the plants frequently. Do not overwater as it can cause fatal damage to them.
Soil Type	A well-draining, fertile soil with an alkaline pH value of 6.0 – 6.5. They prefer sweet soil with a higher amount of magnesium, calcium, and sodium.
Temperature & Humidity	The optimum temperature range for growing healthy and vibrant blooms lies between 10°C and  27°C. Flourishes in temperate regions with cool climates.  These are tolerant of moderate humidity conditions, ideally 40% – 60%.
Fertilizers	Use of balanced slow-release fertilizers during the spring and mid-summer can benefit the newly growing plants.
Pests and Diseases	These blossoming plants are susceptible to aphids, spidermites, and cutworms. Various fungal infestations like leaf spots, rust, root rots, and botrytis flower rot can damage the health. Get rid of fungus and gnats, using insecticidal soaps, and protecting your plant with collars.

And yes, do not forget deadheading them after their first blooms. This promotes the new blooms and buds in the plant later, throughout the season.

Apart from using Carnation seeds, you can grow a lineage of your favourite variety using the plant cuttings and divisions. The nectar-rich, pollen-rich, and aromatic blooms not only make your space cheerful and vibrant but also invite various bees and butterflies and promote natural pollination.

How to Use Carnation Flowers in Garden Design?

Do you want to create a picturesque landscape design? Or looking for fresh flowers for your apartment, balconies, and terrace? 

Your search ends here. Carnations are one of the most colorful and lively options. Explore some of the design layouts and interior scapes using these fluorescent flowers.

• Cut Flowers: They are an extremely perfect choice for use in cut flower arrangements. Sowing them in cutting gardens can fill your space with blooms.

• Perfect for Flower Beds: You can mix and match these flowers with other blooms to complement your garden beds.

• Containers and Pots: Ideal for growing indoors, these blooms can create a pop of colors in your living rooms, desks, patios, and balconies.

• Borders and Pathways: Especially known for border creation, these fringed petals can create an interesting layout of colors and make your pathways look elegant and inviting.

These blooms can add tincture and appeal to any landscape and beauty the overall essence of the place. With their vivid shades and textures, these are surely going to become the focal point of your garden.

Wrapping Up

Carnations are like memories that never fade. It is a flower with an enriching history and deep symbolism, and holds significance in both religious and cultural worlds. The vivid hues and cultivars make it a go-to choice for every botanist and plant lover. 

From numerous uses in the field of holistic care, ornamental to culinary, it is a wholesome wonder with beauty and bloom.

Radiating gratitude, innocence, and happiness, the charm of this petaled beauty is ineffable. Take a tour of this guide on a journey to bloom your favourite carnations in your homes and gardens.