Carnation - A Plant of the Caryophyllaceae Family
Published · Flower Resource
Here are many different kinds of Carnations out of all the three most common are annual carnations, border carnations and perpetual flowering carnations. They have the scientific name Dianthus which was given to them by Greek botanist Theopharastus. They got this name from two Greek words dios that refers o god Zeus and anthos that means flowers. And so Carnations are known as The Flowers of God. They belong to Caryophyllaceae family and different colored carnations symbolize different feelings. Carnations are native to Eurasia. They come in variety of shades like yellow, white, purple, green, pink, purple, yellow and light red which symbolizes affection, good luck, fascination, love, dejection etc.
These flowers have folklore where it is believed that Carnations first appeared on Earth as Jesus carried the Cross. The carnations sprang up from where Virgin Mary’s tears fell as she cried over her son’s plight. Also the founder of Mother’s Day Miss Anna Jarvis used carnations at first Mother’s Day celebration because these flowers were her mother’s favorite.
Uses of Carnation
The carnations have a number of health benefits and helps in relieving stress levels, rashes, inflammation, skin irritation, fever, stomach aches and pain. In the past its stimulant herb was used in tonic cordials but now it use is mostly obsolete. It is also traditionally prescribed in the herbal medicine of Europe to treat various disorders like coronary and nervous disorders. Its oil is used as excellent fixative.
Interesting Facts
- Carnations were first used by Greeks and Romans in garlands.
- These flowers were exotic to Australia but it is been grown there commercially as flower crop since 1954.
- The carnation blooms last even after they are cut for very long time.
- These flowers have become symbolic for Mother’s love.
- The different types of carnations are large flower carnations, spray carnations and dwarf flowered carnations.
Soil Needed
- The soil required by plant is deep, friable and sandy loam.
How to Plant?
- You can grow carnations from cuttings made from suckers that are formed around the base of the stem or side shoots of flowering stem.
- The best plants are made from the cuttings of base.
- You can take these cuttings from the plant anytime through fall or winter rooted in sand and potted up.
- The cuttings may be put in pot until the planting at time in April or at any time when the ground is ready to be handled.
Maintenance and Care
- Carnations should be kept moist and they need some hours of full sun.
- You should avoid over watering as it may turn foliage into yellow.
- To promote continued blooming, spent flowers should be removed.
- The soil and irrigation is responsible for the quality of blooms.
- The plant foliage should not be exposed to direct sun.
- When you are plucking the flowers leave few nodes at base and then remove the stem.
- One should know the importance of pinching, stopping and disbudding when you grow carnations.