Carnation

Dianthus, its botanical name, means divine flower. Carnation was the flesh-pink colour Elizabethan portrait painters used as a background wash.

Description
The carnation is available as a standard carnation – one large flower per stem, or a spray carnation with lots of smaller flowers. It is available in a huge range of colours, particularly red, pink and orange.

Habitat
It is thought that carnations are native to the Mediterranean but extensive cultivation over the past 2,000 years has made its origins difficult to determine.

Species
The carnation is a member of the Caryophyllaceae family.

Care Tips
Carnations can last up to three weeks but should be kept away from ripening fruit and vegetables because of ethylene gas.

Did You Know?
Red carnations mean ”alas for my poor heart”, striped means refusal, yellow is for disdain and pink represents a woman’s love.