Birthday
HydrangeasFor many people carnations are still associated with official holidays and memorial ceremonies. But this flower has a rich history: Leonardo da Vinci painted it, Oscar Wilde wore it in his buttonhole, and today carnations are back in fashion with florists and brides. Here is what carnations mean and who to give them to.
The history of the carnation
The carnation's botanical name, Dianthus, comes from the Greek dios (of Zeus) and anthos (flower) — "the divine flower". Garden carnations have been grown for more than two thousand years.
In Leonardo da Vinci's "Madonna of the Carnation", the Virgin holds a red carnation, which in Christian symbolism is linked to love and Christ's Passion. In 15th- and 16th-century Flemish and German portraits, a carnation in the sitter's hand signalled an engagement, earning it the name "flower of betrothal".
In the 19th century, the era of the "language of flowers", each carnation colour gained its own meaning. Buttonholes became fashionable too: gentlemen wore a carnation in their lapel, and Oscar Wilde and his circle famously sported dyed green carnations. In 1908 Anna Jarvis made the white carnation the symbol of Mother's Day in the USA, and in 1974 red carnations gave their name to Portugal's bloodless Carnation Revolution.
Who to give carnations to, and when
- Your mother. Pink carnations symbolise a mother's love — a lovely choice for her birthday or Mother's Day.
- A man. A restrained single-variety carnation bouquet suits a colleague, a boss or a birthday celebrant.
- Your partner. Lush modern varieties, including soft-coloured spray carnations, look romantic and not at all "official".
- In remembrance. Red and white carnations are traditionally used in funeral arrangements as a mark of respect.
Carnations in bridal bouquets
Florists increasingly use carnations in wedding bouquets. Their ruffled double flowers add volume and texture, pastel shades create a soft look and bright ones a bold contrast. Carnations pair well with roses, lisianthus, gypsophila and eucalyptus and are more affordable than many premium flowers.
Why carnations last so long
Carnations are among the longest-lasting cut flowers: with proper care a bouquet lasts 2–3 weeks. Recut the stems between the nodes, change the water every 2–3 days and keep the bouquet away from fruit — carnations are sensitive to ethylene.
FAQ
Can you give carnations to a girlfriend?
Of course. Modern varieties — pastel, bicoloured or spray — look delicate and romantic.
How long do carnations last in a vase?
Usually 2–3 weeks — longer than most cut flowers.
Order a bouquet with carnations or roses with UFL delivery in Kyiv.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
