Carnation | Flower, Description, & Facts (2024)

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Also known as: Dianthus caryophyllus, clove pink, grenadine

carnation, (Dianthus caryophyllus), herbaceous plant of the pink, or carnation, family (Caryophyllaceae), native to the Mediterranean area. It is widely cultivated for its fringe-petaled flowers, which often have a spicy fragrance, and is used extensively in the floral industry. See also pink (Dianthus).

Carnation | Flower, Description, & Facts (2)

There are two general groups, the border, or garden, carnations and the perpetual flowering carnations. Border carnations include a range of varieties and hybrids, 30 to 75 cm (1 to 2.5 feet) tall; the flowers, in a wide range of colours, are usually less than 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter and are borne on wiry, stiffly erect stems. The bluish green leaves are narrow, sheathing the stems; there are swellings at the junction of leaf and stem.

Carnation | Flower, Description, & Facts (3)

Britannica Quiz

Plants: From Cute to Carnivorous

Carnation | Flower, Description, & Facts (4)

The perpetual flowering carnation, perhaps derived from crosses between the border carnations and cottage pink (D. plumarius), is taller, up to 1 metre (3 feet) in height, is stouter, and produces larger flowers; it blooms almost continuously in the greenhouse. Miniature (baby) and spray varieties of the perpetual carnation are also grown for the florist trade.

Carnation | Flower, Description, & Facts (5)

Carnations are among the most popular commercial cut flowers, being used in floral arrangements, corsages, and boutonnieres. In 1907 Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia selected the pink carnation as the symbol for Mother’s Day. In Europe the carnation was formerly used as a treatment for fevers. It was also used to spice wine and ale during Elizabethan times, as a substitute for the more expensive clove (Syzygium aromaticum).

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.

Carnation | Flower, Description, & Facts (2024)

FAQs

Carnation | Flower, Description, & Facts? ›

The Carnation is one of the most popular flowers of all times. This single flower has a delicate ruffled multi-petaled, double blossom at the end of a long branching stem. The bloom can be 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm) in diameter on a stem 1 to 3 feet (30-91 cm) long.

What is the description of a carnation? ›

Carnations are small to medium flowers, averaging 3 to 6 centimeters in diameter, and have a round, layered, and slightly ruffled appearance. The blooms are comprised of broad, flat, and oblong petals with serrated, frilled edges.

What does a carnation symbolize? ›

Carnation meaning varies depending on the flower color. But at its heart, basic carnation flower meaning embraces the ideas of fascination, distinction and love. The love aspect of carnation meaning includes everything from a mother's devoted love to a suitor's passion for his bride.

Why is carnation called the flower of God? ›

Carnations are also known as their scientific name, Dianthus, the name given by the Greek botanist, Theopharatus. They received their name from two Greek words – “dios”, referring to the Greek god Zeus, and “anthos”, meaning flower. Carnations are thus known as “The Flowers of God”.

Why do carnations have a bad reputation? ›

Carnations have gotten a bad rap for being a "cheap" flower—as if that's somehow a bad thing. No, carnations aren't as pricy as roses or orchids, but we say all the more reason to embrace the bloom. Saving up for a house, a nice dinner date, or a getaway together? Now that's romantic.

What are the legends about carnations? ›

According to a Christian legend, carnations originally appeared after the Crucifixion of Christ, growing in the spots where the Virgin Mary's tears fell to the earth. This is said to be how the carnation became associated with a mother's love.

What is the personality of a carnation? ›

Carnations. If someone likes carnations, they may seem shy but in fact, they can be the most optimistic and hopeful people. Those who gravitate towards carnations are best described as ones that are incredibly helpful and remain, no matter what, down to earth.

How long do carnations last? ›

Carnations are a classic and immensely popular cut flower, and boast a long vase life to match. Versatile and attractive, they come in lots of different colours, and their frilly texture complements many other blooms well. They'll usually last for at least two weeks, and will often make it to three weeks in a vase.

What is a short sentence for carnation? ›

The groom wore a carnation in his buttonhole. In the spring, a carnation grows on the spot where his body lies.

What does the Bible say about carnations? ›

Christians believe that the first carnation bloomed on earth when Mary wept for Jesus as he carried his cross.

What is the importance of carnation? ›

Carnations are among the most popular commercial cut flowers, being used in floral arrangements, corsages, and boutonnieres. In 1907 Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia selected the pink carnation as the symbol for Mother's Day. In Europe the carnation was formerly used as a treatment for fevers.

What month does a carnation represent? ›

January, the beginning of the year, and named for the Roman God Janus, known as the protector of gates and doorways who symbolize beginnings and endings. The most popular birth month flower of January is the Carnation, as it takes a distinctly strong bloom to blossom in the cold winter months.

What are fun facts about carnations? ›

Carnations are found almost in every colour of the rainbow. Although their natural colours are pinkish-purple, the shades of white, yellow, orange, red, and green were created with the help of breeding. Due to their availability in a variety of colours, they were used as currencies in ancient times.

What flower represents Jesus? ›

The Passion Flower with its various parts is seen as a symbols of Jesus' scourging, crowning with thorns and crucifixion.

What is the special identifying feature of a carnation? ›

This single flower has a delicate ruffled multi-petaled, double blossom at the end of a long branching stem. The bloom can be 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm) in diameter on a stem 1 to 3 feet (30-91 cm) long. Carnations are endowed with a fresh scent and a nice fluffy texture.

What is carnations real name? ›

carnation, (Dianthus caryophyllus), herbaceous plant of the pink, or carnation, family (Caryophyllaceae), native to the Mediterranean area. It is widely cultivated for its fringe-petaled flowers, which often have a spicy fragrance, and is used extensively in the floral industry. See also pink (Dianthus).

How long do carnations live? ›

Carnations are a classic and immensely popular cut flower, and boast a long vase life to match. Versatile and attractive, they come in lots of different colours, and their frilly texture complements many other blooms well. They'll usually last for at least two weeks, and will often make it to three weeks in a vase.

Are carnations edible? ›

Carnation flowers are not just aesthetically pleasing; they also offer a range of potential health benefits. These edible blossoms contain various phytochemicals, including flavonoids, which possess antioxidant properties that help combat harmful free radicals in the body.

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