The Carnation, a perennial herbaceous plant from the Caryophyllaceae family and Dianthus genus, is a common name for a variety of garden varieties within the Dianthus genus. It is cherished for its beauty, charm, clove-like fragrance, and enduring freshness.
Since 1907, the pink Carnation has become the symbol of Mother’s Day, making it a popular flower gifted to mothers. It is one of the most commonly used flowers worldwide. Carnations grow to be 70-100 cm tall, and flowers are typically solitary, arranged in a corymb.
The corolla is hemispherical, the calyx is tubular, the bud is acorn-shaped, the petals are fan-shaped, and the inner petals often appear wrinkled. The flowers come in various colors, such as bright red, pink, goose yellow, white, deep red, and even multicolored ones like agate.
Basic Introduction
Carnation: As a perennial herbaceous plant from the Caryophyllaceae family and Dianthus genus, Carnation is a common name for a variety of garden varieties within the Dianthus genus. The plant grows 70-100 cm tall, with a semi-woody base.
The entire plant is covered with white powder, giving it a grayish-green color. The stems are hard and brittle, with enlarged nodes. The leaves are linear-lanceolate, with entire margins, and are relatively thick. The upper half of the leaves curve outward, and they grow oppositely, hugging the stem at the base.
The flowers are typically solitary and arranged in a corymb. The corolla is hemispherical, the calyx is tubular, the bud is acorn-shaped, the petals are fan-shaped, and the inner petals often appear wrinkled. The flowers come in various colors, such as bright red, pink, goose yellow, white, deep red, and even multicolored ones like agate. The flower has a fragrance.
The Carnation includes numerous varieties and hybrids, which can bloom almost continuously in a greenhouse. The blooms are abundant, coming in various shapes and colors. They are typically fragrant and have a long blooming period, making them perfect for bouquets and gardens. Their beauty, charm, clove-like fragrance, and enduring freshness make them widely cherished. Since 1907, the pink Carnation has been the symbol of Mother’s Day, often being the flower gifted to mothers.
Originally from the Mediterranean region, Carnations are widely cultivated in Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. In Europe, countries like Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands also have substantial cultivation. It is one of the most commonly used flowers worldwide.
Introduction to Carnation Varieties
There are many varieties of carnations and several ways they can be classified. They can be categorized by blooming habit into once blooming or year-round blooming; by flower size into large-flowered and small-flowered; by cultivation method into open-air cultivation (once blooming) and greenhouse cultivation (continuous blooming); by cutting method into standard type (large flower, one flower per stem) and spray type (small flower, multiple flowers per stem), and so on.
Classification by Flower Color
Red Series
The red series of carnation varieties include Master, Hongfu, Ruby, Pandora, Grand Slam, Passion, Memories, etc. Among them, Master is a common red variety with pure color and bright red, which is very suitable for gifting.
Pink Series
The pink series of carnation varieties commonly include Ideal, Pink Beauty, Byte, Pink Diamond, Peach Red, Pink Dusk, Pink Master, etc., as well as fragrant flowers, Pink Crown, Xirui, Muse, Pink Dusk, and other pink varieties.
Yellow Series
The yellow series includes varieties like Freedom, Jia Nong, and Profit. These flowers have bright colors and gorgeous postures.
Purple Series
The purple series includes varieties like Purple Crystal and Violet. These flowers have elegant and somewhat mysterious colors, with a noble temperament.
Green Series
The green series includes varieties like Seashell and Green Lady. These have a fresh, delicate color that’s quite unique and precious.
Orange Series
The orange series includes varieties like Carnival and Flame. These have a passionate yet warm color.
White Series
The white series includes varieties like Snow White, which has a pure and beautiful color.
Multicolor Series
The multicolor series has many varieties. For example, Happy Time is white with pink edges, Ordinary is white with pink edges, Tebu is white with purple edges, Smile is pink with white edges, and Cute Bride is yellow with red edges. In addition to these, there are other multicolor varieties such as Shencai, Jinmao, Ordinary, Prince, Xiao Baicai, Xing Tai Zi, Samba, and Danube, etc.
Classification by Flower Type
Large Carnations
Large carnations, also known as standard carnations, have one large flower per stem. The stem is 70 cm long, and the flowers are 5-7.5 cm long. The most common colors are yellow, orange, red, pink, light purple, white, and bicolor. Popular large carnations include Sims, Mediterranean, and Sidney Littlefield. The tips of the petals of these flowers are fringed. These varieties are referred to as butterflies, China, or Minuet. The colors are mainly pink, purple, white, red, and bicolor.
Mini Carnations
Mini carnations, also known as spray or cluster carnations, are 40-60 cm tall and grow 3-7 flowers on each stem. The flowers are 2.5-5 cm long. The most popular colors for mini carnations are pink, red, yellow, orange, white, and bicolor. The most common varieties are Rony (red), Exquisite (violet), Elegance (pink), and Tibet (white). Mini pink and red carnations are widely available on Valentine’s Day.
Micro Carnations
Micro carnations, also known as pixie carnations, can reach 40 cm in stem length, with each stem growing 2-4 flowers. The flowers are only 1.3-2 cm in width. These small flowers are primarily white, yellow, red, purple, and bicolor. The Dianthini series is a type of small carnation with white petals.
Growth and Distribution
Growing Habits
Carnations prefer warm, moist environments with plenty of sunshine and good ventilation. They do not tolerate heat well and enter a semi-dormant state in the summer. They are best planted in loose, fertile, slightly acidic soil, and should not be waterlogged. The ideal growth temperature is 14℃-21℃, and the day-night temperature difference within a day should be kept below 12℃.
If the temperature is too low, growth slows down, and the plant may not bloom; if the temperature is too high, growth speeds up, but the stems are weak and the flowers are small. If the plant is continuously in a high-temperature situation, it will grow in a cluster form, with lush stems and leaves but no flower buds. If the high temperature is during the bud period, bud splitting may occur.
Distribution Range
Carnations are originally from Southern Europe, the North Shore of the Mediterranean, and regions stretching from France to Greece. They are widely cultivated around the world, with major production areas in Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Israel, Colombia, and the United States, among others. The Netherlands is the most important market for carnations in Europe, accounting for 47% of global carnation imports in 2015.
The UK imports about 90% of its carnations directly from developing countries. Carnations are also popular in Spain and in Central and Eastern European countries such as Poland, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Romania, and the Baltic States. The leading suppliers to the EU market from developing countries are Colombia, followed by Turkey, Kenya, Morocco, and Ethiopia.
There is large-scale cultivation in Asian countries like Japan, Korea, and Malaysia. In Europe, countries like Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Spain, Turkey, the UK, and the Netherlands have large-scale cultivation. Carnations are one of the most widely used flowers in the world, and one of the four major cut flowers, with countries either taking advantage of their natural climate or using modern all-weather greenhouses for year-round production. At the same time, new disease-resistant varieties are bred to maintain the stability of high-quality seed traits.
Morphology and Characteristics
Carnations are perennials, standing 40-70 cm tall, hairless and powder green in color. The stems are clustered, upright, woody at the base, and sparsely branched at the top. The leaves are linear-lanceolate, 4-14 cm long and 2-4 mm wide, tapering to a long point at the top, with a short sheath at the base, a distinct midrib, concave on the upper side and slightly convex on the lower side.
The flowers are usually single at the end of the branch, sometimes 2 or 3, fragrant, and pink, purple-red, or white; the flower stalk is shorter than the calyx; there are 4 (to 6) bracts, broadly ovate, with a short convex point at the top, reaching 1/4 of the length of the calyx; the calyx is cylindrical, 2.5-3 cm long, with lanceolate calyx teeth and membranous edges; the petals are inverted ovate, with irregular teeth on the top edge; the stamens reach the throat; the style extends outside the flower.
The capsule is ovate-spherical, slightly shorter than the persistent calyx. The flowering period is from May to August, and the fruiting period is from August to September.
Cultivation Method and Precautions for Carnations
How to Grow Carnations
1. Soil
Soil or substrate is where the plant’s root system operates. Creating a loose and breathable root environment with certain fertilizing and water retention capabilities is crucial for carnation cultivation. Carnations are fibrous root system herbaceous flowers, and their roots like to grow in loose, fertile, and well-ventilated soil or substrate.
The best soil for growing carnations is sandy loam. Ideal soil has about 30% air gaps, while sticky and sedimentary soil is not conducive to carnation growth and needs to be improved. The key is to balance the solid, liquid, and gas phases in the soil.
2. Temperature
Temperature plays a qualitative and quantitative role in the growth and development of carnations, affecting their growth rate, the shape and size of the flowers, leaves, and stems, the yield of cut flowers, and the lifespan of cut flowers, etc. Carnations are cool-loving plants. The optimal temperature for growth and development is 19-21℃, and the day-night temperature difference should be kept within 10℃.
If the daytime temperature is too high, carnations will show symptoms of narrow leaves, small flowers, and poor branching. If the nighttime temperature is too high, weak stems and small but well-colored flowers will occur. If the summer temperature exceeds 35℃, and the winter temperature drops below 9℃, growth slows down or even stops.
3. Light Exposure
Light is the energy source for plant growth. Carnations require the highest amount of light among all known plants. Except during the seedling or blooming phase, there’s no need to worry about any harmful effects of strong light exposure on carnations. They are cumulative long-day plants. The longer the accumulated sunlight, the more it promotes bud differentiation, thus leading to earlier flowering, improved flower uniformity, and increased cut-flower yield.
Supplemental lighting not only promotes stem elongation and suppresses side-branch growth, but also enhances the diameter of the flower crown and the vibrancy of its color.
4. Watering
Carnations are shallow-rooted flowers; the planting depth should not exceed 2 centimeters. After planting, water thoroughly once and subsequently whenever the pot soil dries out. Carnations do not tolerate excessive moisture.
Outside of vigorous growth periods, blooming periods, and the heat of summer when watering should be increased, regular watering should be moderate, maintaining just a certain level of soil moisture. During blooming, avoid both overly dry and overly wet soil.
5. Fertilizing
Carnations are shallow-rooted plants with their root system primarily within 20 centimeters of the soil surface. During cultivation, an adequate amount of base fertilizer should be applied. Organic fertilizers like manure, compost, and bone meal improve the physical properties of the soil and enhance its fertility, transforming it into a humus-rich, loose, fertile loam. Base fertilizer should be composted and matured before application.
Carnations have a long growing period and require continuous supplementation of soil nutrients. The principle of top dressing is frequent application of thin fertilizer. For field planting, apply top dressing every 25-30 days; if the original soil fertility is low, shorten this interval. For potted plants, apply top dressing every 7-10 days.
During the two peak growth periods of the plants, the frequency of top dressing can be increased. Fertilizers like cake fertilizer water and chicken manure water can be used, or compound fertilizers can be applied alternately.
Carnation Cultivation Precautions
- During the vigorous growth periods in spring and fall, keep the soil moist to meet the needs of growth and development. During the high temperature period in summer when growth is suppressed, moderate watering and enhance ventilation to maintain slightly dry pot soil.
- Generally, move plants indoors around the time of the first frost, with a temperature of 10-20℃ being most suitable. To encourage or delay flowering, the temperature can be appropriately raised or lowered. Take measures to reduce indoor humidity to minimize disease occurrence.
- Adhere to the principle of frequent application of thin fertilizer. For potted plants, apply a diluted mature liquid fertilizer every 7-10 days.
- In winter, place plants in a sunny, well-ventilated area. If the temperature is suitable, the flowering period can be extended to March of the following year.
- During the seedling stage, perform 1-2 times of pinching to promote branching, so that each plant has about 10 side branches. After pinching, the plant shape is beautiful and the flowering is prosperous. As branches grow, supports should be set up to prevent them from falling over. During the growth period, promptly remove the side buds and small flower buds on each branch, keeping only one bud at the top, so that nutrients are concentrated to feed the top bud.
Propagation Methods
Carnations can be propagated through methods such as cuttings, sowing, and tissue culture, with cuttings being the most common.
1. Propagation by Cuttings: This is typically done in spring, although it can be done at other times, excluding the hot summer. The medium for the cutting bed can be perlite mixed with peat or charred husks. For cuttings, select robust side branches from the middle of the plant, preferably with short internodes. When taking the cuttings, pull downward on the branch so the base of the cutting includes some of the main stem’s bark, which increases survival rates. Cuttings should be inserted immediately after taking them to avoid wilting, which can significantly reduce survival rates. Alternatively, cuttings can be soaked in water before insertion, so the cuttings absorb enough water and the growth points harden. To improve the success of cuttings, you can treat them with concentrations of 10-100 mg/kg of Naphthylacetic Acid or Indole Butyric Acid. After insertion, provide shade and frequent watering. At temperatures of 13-15°C, rooting should occur in about 20 days.
2. Propagation by Sowing: Mainly used for hybrid breeding or producing potted plants from hybrid first-generation seeds. The optimal temperature for sowing is 18-20°C, with germination occurring within a week and seedlings forming in 2-3 months.
3. Propagation by Tissue Culture: This is a crucial method for producing virus-free seedlings, widely used in cut-flower production. The method typically involves virus elimination culture using the plant’s apex, followed by mass propagation.
Disease and Pest Control
Common diseases of carnations include calyx rot, rust, gray mold, bud rot, and root rot. Zinc Dimethyldithiocarbamate can be used to control calyx rot, while Oxycarboxin can be used against rust. Other diseases can be managed with Zinc Dimethyldithiocarbamate, Manganese Zinc, or Quintozene soil treatment before planting. If red spider mites or aphids pose a threat, a 1000-fold dilution of 40% Leogos emulsion can be used for eradication.
Grey Mold
Grey mold affects carnations, causing brown, watery spots and a gray mold-like substance to cover the buds, petals, and leaves. This results in petal rot, bud drop, and death of stems and leaves. Diseased buds cannot open, and infected flowers lose their color.
In high temperatures and high humidity, the disease spreads rapidly and severely. Control measures are necessary to protect stems, buds, and petals, promoting flowering, extending the flowering period, and enhancing ornamental value.
Control Methods: For prevention, spray a 1000-fold potassium permanganate solution on leaves once a month, uniformly wetting all leaves, buds, and petals until water droplets begin to drip.
If there is abundant rainfall, high temperature, and high humidity, and a gray mold-like substance appears on stems and buds, continue to spray a 1000-fold dilution of Fosetyl-Al 2-3 times in a row, spraying once every 7-10 days. This can kill the bacteria and help the affected parts recover normal growth rapidly, promote strong stems, buds, and petals, and facilitate blooming.
Leaf Spot Disease
Carnations are susceptible to leaf spot disease, which affects their growth. When infected, elongated lesions appear on the stems and leaves. In severe cases, the lesions girdle the stem, causing the upper branches and leaves to die. If the disease strikes during the flowering period, the flowers may not open or appear malformed.
Control Methods: Carry out disinfection during planting and promptly remove diseased plants upon detection. Strengthen management, try to keep the surface of the plants dry, and plant in well-ventilated, well-lit areas with good drainage. Maintain good ventilation in the greenhouse, especially before dusk.
Leaf spot disease can occur year after year, so it’s essential to spray preventive fungicides, such as Manganese Zinc, Zinc Dimethyldithiocarbamate, Thiophanate-methyl, or Carbendazim, once a week. During the peak flowering period, it is especially important to spray timely. A 75% Carbendazim solution, a 50% Quintozene solution diluted 500 times, or a 1% Bordeaux mixture can all be used.
Value and Other Aspects
Primary Value
Carnations are excellent cut flower varieties. Dwarf varieties can also be used for pot ornamental purposes. Their flowers can also be used for extracting perfume. This elegant and variegated flower, dignified and fragrant, became the best-selling flower globally with the rise of Mother’s Day. They are widely cultivated in China for ornamental purposes, with many horticultural varieties. They are tolerant to vase placement and often used as cut flowers. Greenhouse cultivation allows them to bloom all year round.
Ornamental
Generally, carnations have significant ornamental value because they look very beautiful when blooming, and some dwarf types are particularly suitable for planting in flower pots. Thus, breeding carnations at home is a very good choice.
Medicinal
Carnations also have medicinal properties. They are known to have heat-clearing and detoxifying effects. If you experience symptoms such as headaches or toothaches, you can try drinking carnation tea. Regular consumption can help alleviate headache symptoms and nourish the spirit. The tea made from it is sweet, cool, and delicious.
Environment
Beautifying the environment is also an essential function of carnations. When this plant is in full bloom, it exudes a rich fragrance, with beautiful and generous heart-shaped flowers. Its overlapping petals give it a high ornamental value, beautifying the environment and decorating nature. Moreover, its leaves can absorb carbon dioxide in the air, transforming it into oxygen released into the air.
Plant Culture
Mother’s Day
Carnations are the official flowers of Mother’s Day in many cultures around the world, traditionally associated with this occasion. The tradition of Mother’s Day began with Anna Marie Jarvis (1864-1948), the founder of Mother’s Day in the United States. She initiated the practice of using carnations to commemorate her deceased mother. After Anna’s mother passed away, Anna organized a memorial service and gave 500 white carnations to all the mothers who attended the event. White carnations were her mother’s favorite flower.
In 1912, Anna established the “Mother’s Day International Association” to promote the day. In 1914, the 28th President of the United States, Thomas Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924), signed Proclamation 1268, establishing a national holiday on the second Sunday in May. Today, Anna Marie Jarvis’s legacy continues as people around the world celebrate Mother’s Day annually, commemorating all mothers as heroes of family life.
Symbolism
Ancient Roman legend tells that carnations appeared after Christ was crucified. As Mother Mary wept following her son’s death, her tears fell to the ground. Carnations sprang up from every place where Mary’s tear-soaked the earth. This legend lends credence to the theory that carnations were so named for their embodiment.
Carnations carry symbolic meanings in many countries. Carnations are considered the national flower of Spain, especially in the south, where they are associated with passion and longing. Red carnations (alongside red roses) are also associated with International Workers’ Day (May 1) and the labor movement in general.
Purple carnations in France are often used as funeral flowers, considered a symbol of fickleness. White carnations in some countries or regions are seen as a symbol of love, and carnations are also regarded as a symbol of dedication.
Korean culture: Koreans use carnations to predict the fate of young girls. After placing three freshly cut carnations in her hair, the little girl is observed to see which of the three will die first. If the topmost flower dies first, it signifies that the latter years of the girl’s life will be fraught with strife.
If the middle flower fades first, it suggests she will face turmoil in her youth. If the lower flower dies and fades first, it indicates the young woman will face significant challenges throughout her life.
Chinese Culture: Carnations are used in Chinese weddings. In fact, it is the most commonly used flower in Chinese weddings.
Japanese Culture: In Japan, red carnations symbolize love and are the most common flower for Mother’s Day.
Victorian Era: In the Victorian era, flowers often sent secret coded messages to suitors or secret admirers. Sometimes, they also answered a secret question. A solid color carnation meant the answer was “yes.” Striped carnations meant “I’m sorry, but I can’t be with you.” Yellow carnations symbolized “no.”
United States: Carnations are the official flower of Mother’s Day. They are also worn as boutonnieres for proms and other special events. Green carnations are typically worn on St. Patrick’s Day. It is also the birth flower for January.
What does the language of carnations represent?
The meanings of carnations include fascination, distinction, and love. Like many other flowers, different messages can also be expressed with different colors of the flower. For example, light red carnations are often used to express admiration, while the dark red ones express a deeper love and affection.
White carnations are associated with purity and good luck, and pink carnations are often seen as a symbol of gratitude. In the early 20th century, carnations became the official flower of Mother’s Day and also hold special significance in many other cultures worldwide.
Carnations remain a favorite flower choice for many different occasions. They are immediately recognizable flowers and continue to charm people all over the world.
In fact, in many parts of the world, the popularity of carnations surpasses that of any other flower, including roses. These flowers can express strong emotions, a perfect complement to their classic beauty and enduring freshness. By maintaining its status as a floral staple over a long period, carnations have proven themselves to be a perennial flower, not a trend.
Red: Deep love and admiration
White: Pure love and good luck
Pink: Motherly love
Yellow: Disappointment or rejection
Purple: Fickleness
Striped: Refusal or regret
Peggie was once a high school mathematics teacher, but she set aside her chalkboard and textbooks to follow her lifelong passion for flowers. After years of dedication and learning, she not only established a thriving flower shop but also founded this blog, “Flowers Library”. Here, Peggie shares the art and science of floristry, offers practical tips for nurturing plants, delves into the captivating histories of various species, and provides insights into running a successful flower shop. She hopes that everyone can take a moment now and then to immerse themselves in the world of flowers. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about flowers, feel free to contact Peggie.
