Flower Encyclopedia
Carnation
Dianthus caryophyllus
Ruffled, long-lasting, and endlessly versatile — a hardworking flower that deserves its comeback.
Written by the Burton Floral Design team · Published July 24, 2026
At A Glance
Typical vase life
7–14 days
Availability
Year-round
Peak months
Year-round
Cost
Budget-friendly
Fragrance
Light
Pollen
Low
Care
Easy
Out of water
4+ hours
Heat tolerance
Moderate
Cold tolerance
High
Outdoor events
Excellent
Around pets
Use caution
Pets in the house? Use caution.
Carnations warrant caution around cats and dogs, as chewing can cause mild stomach upset and, occasionally, skin irritation. Keep arrangements out of reach, and contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service if a pet ingests any part.
What It Means
Carnations carry layered meaning by color: red for deep love and admiration, white for pure love and good luck, pink for a mother's undying love, which ties them to Mother's Day. Broadly they stand for fascination, distinction, and lasting affection.
Colors it comes in
white · red · pink · peach · purple · yellow · bicolor · green
Coordinates beautifully with
white · soft green · blush · burgundy
Season & Sourcing
Grown year-round and among the most consistently available flowers in the trade, in an enormous range of colors. Demand and pricing tick up around Mother's Day.
Vase life, honestly
One of the longest-lasting cut flowers — two weeks is common with clean water. They are sensitive to ethylene, so keep them away from ripening fruit to avoid early petal sleepiness.
Fragrance
Older and heirloom varieties carry a distinctive clove-like spice; many modern commercial types have been bred with little to no scent.
Keeping It Alive
- 1Recut stems at an angle, cutting between the nodes rather than through them.
- 2Strip the lower foliage and use flower food in clean water.
- 3Keep them well away from ripening fruit, as they are especially ethylene-sensitive.
- 4Refresh the water every three days; carnations tolerate a little neglect but last longer with care.
- 5Store them cool and out of direct sun.
What it costs: Among the most economical cut flowers, which makes them invaluable for large-scale designs. Novelty and dyed colors cost slightly more but stay budget-friendly.
Where It Shines
At weddings
A budget-stretching backbone for weddings — massed carnations create lush, textured centerpieces and even flower walls at a fraction of the cost of roses. They hold up through long events thanks to their durability and heat tolerance.
In sympathy work
A traditional sympathy flower used heavily in standing sprays, wreaths, and casket pieces because they are affordable, sturdy, and come in every color. White and pink read as gentle and respectful.
Every day
A reliable everyday and get-well flower that lasts far longer than most bouquets. Pink carnations are a classic Mother's Day choice, and mixed bunches offer a lot of color for the price.
Can't Get It? Try
A Little History
Dianthus caryophyllus has been cultivated for over 2,000 years, with a genus name from the Greek for divine flower. Pink carnations became linked to Mother's Day in the early twentieth century through Anna Jarvis, whose mother favored them.
Questions People Ask
How long do carnations last in a vase?
Often ten to fourteen days, making them one of the longest-lasting cut flowers. Cutting between the stem nodes and keeping them away from ripening fruit helps them reach the top of that range.
Why do carnations have a reputation as a cheap flower?
They are inexpensive and were once overused, but they are durable, come in every color, and take dye well, which is exactly why designers now use them for lush, large-scale work. The value is a strength, not a drawback.
Do carnations have a scent?
Heirloom and older varieties have a spicy, clove-like fragrance, but many modern commercial types have been bred for looks and vase life with little scent. Ask for a fragrant variety if the clove note matters to you.
Are carnations a concern around pets?
Treat them with caution — chewing can cause mild stomach upset and occasional skin irritation. If a pet ingests any part, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service.
From profile to porch
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