by 
Carnations History
Carnations have a history that goes back to around 2,000 years. Some scholars advocate that their name came from the word “corone” which means flower garlands or “coronation” because it is used in Greek ritual crowns, and some scholars propose that their name is derived from Latin where “carnis” which means flesh is a reference to the pinkish hue of the flowers or “incarnacyon” which means incarnation, refers to the incarnation of flesh made by God.
Carnations are also frequently called Dianthus (their scientific name given by the Greek botanist Theophrastus). The name Dianthus comes from two Greek Words – “dios”, refers to god Zeus and “anthos”, which means flower. Carnations are therefore famously known as “The Flowers of God”.
Carnations Description
Blooms are 2-3 inches wide with 1-2 foot stems. Miniature carnations have a number of small flowers on one stem. Colors include white, salmon, pink, red, light green, yellow, fuchsia, deep purple, flecked and bi-colors. These aromatic cut flowers live as long as 3 weeks. Carnations are also admired as potted plants as they have a long blossoming season.
Types of Carnations
- Large flowered – They have one large flower on each stem.
- Spray/ Mini – They have plenty of smaller flowers.
- Dwarf flowered – These have quite a few small blooms on one stem.
Carnations Meaning
| Carnations | What they Mean | |
| In general | Charm, Love of a woman | |
| Pink | Love of a mother | |
| Light red | Appreciation | |
| Dark red | Deep Love | |
| White | Pure Love, Good Luck | |
| Striped | Apology, Rejection | |
| Green | St. Patrick’s Day | |
| Purple | Unpredictability | |
| Yellow | Dissatisfaction, Sadness | |
- Important Facts about Carnations
- Carnations convey love and attraction.
- They are native to Eurasia.
- Historically, they are acknowledged to have been used by Greeks and Romans in their garlands.
- They last a long time even after cutting.
- They symbolize a mother’s love and are often used as Mother’s Day gifts.
Carnations Care and Handling
Your carnations may land with closed buds however they will open in next few days once they’re conditioned. Begin with a thoroughly clean vase. Hold the flowers next to your vase to estimate how much of the stem you’ll need to cut; you may also wish to get rid of some of the leaves. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle with a pruner or a sharp knife. This averts them from sitting flat at the bottom of the vase which in turn allows for much better water absorption. While conditioning them, keep in mind to cut over one of the nodes that runs up the stalk; this allows the stem to draw water more easily. Carnations must be reconditioned in 2 or 3 days: Change water, Re-cut stems and nourishment. Carnations are sensitive to ethylene, a gas that makes them deteriorate hastily. Keep the flowers away from probable sources of this gas, including wilted plants and ripened fruits and vegetables. Also, keep them away from direct sun and excessive heat.
Arranging Tips: Carnations can be used by themselves or you can also add other flowers from a wide range of flowers for instance roses, dahlias, lilies and gerberas are some of the flowers that can be used with carnations for bride’s bouquets, wedding centerpieces, or floral arrangements
Some of the Carnations available with us include, white, cream, peach, different shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, burgundy, tinted blue, assorted, and in bi-colors we have white-red, pink-white, yellow-red, purple-dark pink
Planning a wedding or social event? Let our floral experts at Whole Blossoms Wholesale Flowers provide you with the freshest flowers available, at incredibly low prices and free shipping. Visit us at www.wholeblossoms.com.