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Carnations originated in Eurasia. The botanical name, Dianthus, is from ancient Greek "dios" (god) and "anthos" (flower), hence they are "Flowers of the Gods". Today, carnations represent love and fascination.
Original carnations were pink. They are now available in many shades of pink, red, yellow, purple, pure white and multi-colored.
Young Korean girls used carnations placed in their hair to tell their fortunes. Ancient Greeks wore carnations made into garlands. Carnations are the official flower of Mother's Day in Canada and the US.
Carnations are commercially grown all around the world. They are extremely long-lasting as cut flowers, and are popular for boutonnieres.
Large-flowered carnations have one large flower per long stem. Mini carnation plants are covered with many smaller flowers. And dwarf-flowered carnations have several smaller flowers growing on one stem.
Carnations grow in sunny gardens with rich loam. They will bloom until frost if spent flowers are continuously removed. Overwatering will cause leaf yellowing. Carnations are easy to propagate by dividing the base of the plant.
Fern Fischer writes about quilting and sewing, and she professionally restores antique quilts to preserve these historical pieces of women's art. She also covers topics of organic gardening, health, rural lifestyle, home and family. For over 35 years, her work has been published in print and online.
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