Carnations

Turn of the century dandies would not leave the house without a white or red carnation in the buttonhole of their suit. With the end of this tradition and the fact that carnations are so easily cultivated and grown, the flower has lost some of its popularity. However, carnations are not only beautiful and long lasting flowers, they also send a message: When you receive a red carnation bouquet , it means, "My heart aches for you" and when you receive white carnations the sender is saying: "I am still available."

Description: The Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) is a flowering plant native to the Near East and has been cultivated for the last 2,000 years. Its original natural flower color was pinkish-hued (flesh-like or "carnal", hence the name "carnation"), but later, cultivars of other colors, including red, white, yellow and greenish, have been developed. Although originally applied to the species Dianthus caryophyllus, the name Carnation is also often applied to some of the other species of Dianthus, and more particularly to garden hybrids between D. caryophyllus and other species in the genus. Some scholars believe that the name "carnation" comes from "coronation" or "corone" (flower garlands), as it was one of the flowers used in Greek ceremonial crowns. Others think the name stems from the Greek carnis (flesh), which refers to the original color of the flower, or incarnacyon (incarnation), which refers to the incarnation of God made flesh.

Symbolic Meaning:

Meanings of the Carnation Flower : Fascination, devoted Love

Deep Red Carnation : My heart aches for you or I admire you

Pink Carnation : I will never forget you

Solid Color Carnation : Yes

Striped Carnation : I'm sorry I must say no

White Carnation : Our love is pure or Good Luck

Yellow Carnation : You disappoint me