What should I know about carnations?
The Short Answer
Carnations are one of the most affordable, longest-lasting cut flowers, holding beautifully for two to three weeks. They come in nearly every color, take dye well for custom shades, and carry meanings of love, admiration, and a mother’s devotion.
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The underrated workhorse of the flower world
Carnations have an unfair reputation as a filler flower, but any designer will tell you they are one of the hardest-working blooms we carry. With their ruffled, layered petals and remarkable vase life, they hold their shape and color for two to three weeks, far longer than most flowers. They come in an enormous range of colors and take dye beautifully, so we can match nearly any shade a customer wants. Grouped tightly together, carnations create a lush, textured look that reads as far more expensive than it costs, which makes them a smart choice for anyone stretching a budget.
Types and their meanings
There are two main forms you will see. Standard carnations have one large bloom per stem, while spray, or mini, carnations carry several smaller blooms per stem and work wonderfully as accents. In the language of flowers, carnations broadly mean love, fascination, and distinction. Color adds nuance: a pink carnation has long symbolized a mother’s undying love, which is why they are a Mother’s Day staple, while red says admiration, white says pure love and good luck, and purple carries a note of whimsy. This range of meaning makes carnations as thoughtful as they are practical.
Getting the most from carnations
Carnations are forgiving, but a few habits maximize their long life. Cut the stems between the nodes, the small joints along the stem, since cutting right at a node can prevent them from drinking. Use flower food and refresh the water every few days. Keep them away from ripening fruit, which releases ethylene gas that carnations are sensitive to. Because they last so long, carnations are perfect for arrangements meant to endure, from a hospital room to a January birthday. In mid-Michigan, a generous carnation-based arrangement lands comfortably in the everyday $45 to $70 range.
Planning Tips From Our Designers
- Cut carnation stems between the nodes so they drink freely.
- Group carnations tightly for a lush, expensive-looking texture.
- Choose pink carnations for a Mother’s Day gift symbolizing devotion.
- Keep carnations away from ripening fruit to extend their life.
- Ask about custom-dyed carnations to match any color.
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