Carnations – history, symbolism and care tips

The history of carnations

Already in ancient Greece, the carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) was cultivated as an ornamental flower, and the name dianthus simply means 'flower of the gods' in Greek. Trade routes along the Silk Road brought it further to Europe in the Middle Ages. Today, Spain, Colombia and Morocco are the largest producer countries for carnations.

What does the carnation symbolise?

• Red carnation: Deep love and admiration. One of the traditional flowers for Mother's Day.
• White carnation: Purity, happiness and true love. Often used at weddings.
• Pink carnation: Affection – traditionally the very flower of Mother's Day.
• Yellow carnation: In flower language it stands for rejection – avoid it as a love token.
• Purple carnation: Capriciousness and unpredictability.

Would you like to send flowers with carnations? Carnations are a durable and beautiful choice for many occasions.

How to care for carnations in a vase

• Cut the stems at an angle and remove any leaves that fall below the waterline.
• Change the water every other day – carnations are sensitive to bacteria in the water.
• Place them in a cool location – carnations are among the flowers that tolerate low temperatures best.
• With proper care, carnations can last in a vase for up to 14 days, which is longer than most other cut flowers.

You can easily order flowers with carnations throughout the UK. Learn what different flowers mean in our guide to the language of flowers. It has never been easier to buy flowers online, and our care advice helps you keep your bouquet fresh for as long as possible.