The carnation or clove pink, a species of Dianthus, is an ambiguous flower. Some people may treat it not well but for many florists it is the favourite. Why?
- The carnation is beautiful, zephyr and subtle. It has a tremendous texture which looks perfect in precast authors’ bouquets. Thus it can play a perfect solo in a vase.
- All peonies and roses put together will envy the variety of carnations’ colouring. Its colours are intriguing, modern and just created for Instagram.
- It is fragrant – oh yes, the carnation smells of freshness and greenery.
- It is super durable, which is not a secret. And will delight you much longer than the same roses.
By «durability-effectiveness-cost» ratio the carnation is one of the most beneficial options, we always recommend bouquets of carnations. And to forget about the reputation of a boring flower you just need to buy carnations of exquisite colours.
History and Etymology
The carnation got its name from Germany because its fragrance reminded Germans of the spice that is obtained from the clove tree. But the flowers have nothing in common with the spice. They also call the carnation «dianthus», which means «divine flower» in Latin.
At different ages and in different countries carnation had different meanings, sometimes quite controversial. For example, in ancient Rome, they present carnations to the winners, and in the Renaissance Era this flower was depicted by artists as a symbol of love. While in modern Turkey and the Caucasus, the carnation symbolizes happiness.
In Medieval France, ponceau carnation was introduced after the crusade during the reign of Louis IX (or Saint). Prince Condé has grown these flowers in prison, while his wife was raising a rebellion that set her husband free. Since then, the carnation turned into a symbol of struggle and the House of Bourbon.
In Italy and Spain the carnation was taken as the primary mediator in affairs of the heart, and in Belgium it symbolized the comfort of home. In England, the carnation won the sympathy of Queen Elizabeth herself, and consequently the entire aristocracy of the country. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the pink carnation is regarded as the emblem of Mother’s Day, which is celebrated annually in the United States and Canada. It is common to present carnations to mothers and fathers on Parents’ Day in South Korea.
The one-headed carnation is familiar to everyone. Strong zephyr bud, a huge variety of shades, high durability – all this about this specie.
In addition to the classic one-headed carnation there are many more species of carnations. Here are just a few of them:
- Chinese carnation. Indeed, there is something Chinese in it.
- Shrub-like carnations. There may be different shades, but this one is especially attractive.
- Meadow or field carnations are especially valued by landscape designers for their simplicity and simple maintenance.
- Turkish or bearded carnation. The name was given for Cactaceous prune leaflets.
- Alpine carnation – irreplaceable in the alpine hill.
- Feathery carnation with unusual terry petals.
These give a good understanding of the variety of these wonderful flowers. The total number of carnations species exceeds 350.
Treatment of a Bouquet of Carnations
Caring for carnations is quite uncomplicated. Below are some tips and tricks that will help to keep a flower fresh:
- When purchasing, check the base of the bud – it should be dense enough, and in the carnations’ petals there should be no rottenness and spots. In case you order flowers online it would be not easy to do it.
- Cut the stems by 1 cm diagonally (above the stem’s internode for better water absorption). Please note that carnations are especially fragile at the internodes.
- There should be enough space for buds in the vase, otherwise they will quickly rot due to lack of air circulation.
- Please mind carnation is extremely sensitive to ethylene, so do not put them next to the fruits.
- Use a special treatment for flowers like Belgian FloraLife to prolong the life of flowers, it will help them to fully open and show their colour.
Carnations’ lifespan in the water varies from 14 to 21 days.
