![]() ![]() Notably the earliest garden flower to bloom, the snowdrop (Galanthus) emerges in late winter or early spring, sometimes when snow is still on the ground. One of a few flowers that can bloom in cool weather, assuming temperatures remain above freezing, carnations can add color to a garden border or a patio container. They bloom in midsummer, preferring bright sun, but cool temperatures. They prefer cooler summer climates and moist, well-drained gritty soils high in organic matter.Ĭarnations are intolerant of high heat and might be a poor choice for a southern garden. Miniature and spray varieties are also grown for florist use.Īn herbaceous perennial, carnations can also be grown as an annual.Perpetual flowering carnations are taller-up to 3 feet in height-stouter and produce larger flowers.The flowers, roughly 2 inches in diameter, grow from wiry, stiff stems. Border/garden carnations grow 1 to 2 ½ feet tall and come in a wide range of colors.There are two main groups of carnations: border or garden carnations and perpetual flowering carnations. Carnation Colors & Meanings ColorĪccording to Christian legend, the first pink carnation on Earth grew from Mary’s tears when she wept for Jesus as he carried his cross. Therefore, a pink carnation often symbolizes a mother’s unyielding love. As with roses, different-colored carnations convey different meanings, as shown below. In early times, carnations were predominantly pale pink and peach, but over the years the availability of colors has grown to include red, yellow, white, orange, purple, and green, as well as bi-colors and frosted varieties. Red carnations also symbolize socialism and the labor movements, and have been worn on International Workers’ Day (May 1). Bright red carnations represent the 1970s military and civil coup in Portugal, which is often referred to as the Revolution of the Carnations. In the Netherlands, a white carnation is worn in remembrance of veterans, and the resistance in World War II. ![]() It is traditionally prescribed in European herbal medicine to treat coronary and nervous disorders. In the Elizabethan era it was used to spice wine and ale as a substitute for the more expensive clove. An essential oil can be extracted from the flower of a carnation and is used for aromatherapy and perfumes. The carnation’s history dates back to when it was used in garlands, art and decor in both ancient Greece and Roman times.Īt one time, the carnation was used to treat fevers in Europe. Translated from Greek, carnation is often referred to as “flower of the gods.” It grew in the wild on the hillsides of Greece and is said to have been named by Greek botanist Theophrastus. It has long been a staple in the flower industry-especially for Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day-thanks to its meanings of love and remembrance. It was first imported to the United States in the 1850s and within two decades more than 50 varieties had been made available. Native to the Mediterranean area, the carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) is a widely cultivated fringe-petaled flower, with a spicy fragrance.
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