Carnation | Flower, Description, & Facts (2024)

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? ›

carnation, (Dianthus

Dianthus
sweet William, (Dianthus barbatus), garden plant in the pink family (Caryophyllaceae), grown for its clusters of small bright-coloured flowers. It is usually treated as a biennial, seed sown the first year producing flowering plants the second year.
https://www.britannica.com › plant › sweet-William-plant
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
floral industry
The floral industry is focused on the production, distribution and sale of flowers for human enjoyment. The floral industry began in the Golden Century of the Netherlands, where flowers were grown on a large scale on vast estates.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Floral_industry
.

What is the description of a carnation? ›

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 makes carnations special? ›

Because of their unique and charming shape, carnations are known for symbolising distinction. They really know how to stand out from the crowd! They'd be perfect to give to that lovable, quirky person in your life.

Why is carnation called the flower of God? ›

The Greek god Zeus is depicted by "dios," and "anthos" means flower. That's why the Carnation is recognized as “God's Flower.”

How do you describe a carnation flower? ›

The carnation is a long-stemmed flower that can grow up to 80cm tall. The leaves are grey-green, thin and grow in pairs on either side of the stem, up to 15 cm long. The flowers are around 3 to 5cm across, and either grow individually or in a cluster at the top of the stem.

What are the physical characteristics of a carnation? ›

Dianthus caryophyllus, commonly called carnation or clove pink, is a loosely-tufted, woody-based herbaceous perennial that features fragrant, pink, purple-pink, or white often double flowers on stiff 30-inch tall stems clad with narrow, linear, gray-green leaves. It is native to the Mediterranean area.

What are 3 colors of carnations? ›

Carnations naturally come in a variety of pink, white, coral, and red tones, and are commonly known as dianthus.

Do carnations only bloom once? ›

"They bloom all summer long from an early spring sowing, and their long stems and extremely long vase life make them an ideal flower for any type of arrangement," says Benzakein. Her favorites include the purple-edged Chabaud Benigna, flawless white Chabaud Jeanne Dionis, and coral-and-pink Chabaud Aurora.

What is the lifespan of a carnation? ›

If you're still not convinced then consider this, carnations are some of the most long-lasting flowers that will reward you with more time than most. With proper care, you can expect your carnations to last you on average 14 days, but with a bit of luck, their cut lifespan can reach 21 days, maybe more!

What is the negative meaning of carnation flower? ›

Their colour may chiefly be associated with sunny optimism, but in the language of flowers, yellow carnations represent disdain, disappointment and rejection. The striped variety signifies refusal.

Why do people like carnations? ›

They love the scent they have (I personally do not find the scent to be very strong, but when I do catch a whiff of one they do have a nice, light scent to them). Sometimes I hear that they love the shape and/or the amount of petals on a carnation.

Why do carnations smell so good? ›

Unpick the chemical structure of this plant and you'll find it's incredibly rich in an aroma compound called eugenol – so quite often, what you smell in a perfume hasn't come from a plant at all, but has been synthesised.

What does the Bible say about carnations? ›

The Virgin Mary shed tears at Jesus' plight, and carnations sprang up from where her tears fell. Thus he pink carnation became the symbol of a mother's undying love, and in 1907 was chosen by Ann Jarvis as the emblem of Mother's Day, now observed in the United States and Canada on the second Sunday in May. ”

What is the myth of the carnation? ›

According to legend, it is said that a young shepherd fell madly in love with Diana, who abandoned him after giving him false hopes of love. The young man died from despair a short time later and, from the tears he had shed for his love, white carnations were born.

What is the art and symbolism of carnations? ›

Light Red and Pink:

Light red carnations symbolize friendship or possible romantic interest. They are a great way to let someone know you care about them. Pink carnations usually symbolize gratitude. Pink carnations may also denote remembrance so you may see them used at funerals or memorials.

What does a carnation look like? ›

The appearance of carnations is unforgettable and unlike many other common blooms. Some say that the petals of carnations look as though they were cut with pinking shears, which has led to their nickname "clove pink." The layered petals of carnations are ruffled and full, making them stand-out, eye-catching flowers.

How would you describe the smell of carnations? ›

Carnations have a subtle balmy and spicy fragrance, remissent of cloves. Carnation can give its scent naturally, processed in Grasse. However, its scent is very disappointing as it is far from that of the fresh flower. Moreover, as its yield is very low, it is rarely used.

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