The clove pink ( Dianthus caryophyllus ) is a popularcut flowerthat is cultivated in many parts of the world . These fragrant prime are also know as Syzygium aromaticum pinks .

Carnations are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zona 6 to 9 . Though they are perennial , they are often grown in the garden as yearly .

Carnation Background Information

gillyflower originated in the Mediterranean region . The genus nameDianthuscomes from a combining of the Greek word for god , " dios , ” and the Greek Holy Writ for flower , " dianthus . " The genus name therefore roughly translates to " divine flower . " The origin of the name is often trace back to the ancient Hellenic plant scientist Theophrastus .

It is mean that the Greeks used carnations in the ceremonial crown they made to recognise athlete . It is believed that the Romans , who referred to carnations as the " flower of Jove , " introduced these flowers to the relief of Europe . Literary giant William Shakespeare observe carnations in his play " Winter ’s Tale . "

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address to carnations engagement back to ancient Greece and ancient Rome .

carnation were introduced in the U.S. in the 19th century . The red gillyflower , which is the interior bloom of Spain , was also specify the state blossom of Ohio in 1904 in purity of President William McKinley , who was from the province and was assassinated . McKinley would often have a blood-red carnation pinned to his apparel .

What Is a Carnation Flower?

The carnations on the market today are cultivars and intercrossed versions . Finding angry carnation for sale is rare . There are two type of carnations : molding gillyflower , which grow on stems that are 16 inch in height and are used in garden , and florist carnations , which have a peak of about 4 feet .

While early carnations were probably pink or peach , hybridization has produced manycarnation flower coloring material . There are bloodless carnation , yellow carnations , pinkish carnation , red carnations and purple gillyflower . There are two - inflect cultivar uncommitted as well .

What Are Carnations Used For?

As cut efflorescence , carnations are popular for floral arrangements and bouquets for occasions like Mother ’s Day . In fact , at one pointedness , it was hold the prescribed peak of Mother ’s 24-hour interval in the United States . gillyflower are also used in boutonnieres for wedding .

In the garden , carnations can be used to add pops of color to a boundary line . They can also be grown in container .

Growing Carnations in the Garden

Like many other types of unfolding plants , carnations grow best in full sun , which means they should receive six to eight hours of sunlight a day . That said , carnations opt climates where summers are cool .

Dianthus caryophyllus do best when they are planted in moist , well - draining dirt that is rich in constitutive thing and has a gritty grain . grease that has a neutral or slightly alkaline pH is best for carnations . When grown in climates with hot summers , they will need more water .

Carnations are nerveless - weather plants and want extra water when grown in live temperatures .

A sole Lavender Lace carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus ‘Lavender Lace’) flower popping up toward the sky.

Carnations typically blossom in June and July . Deadheading the plants , which mean removing the spend flowers , can help encourage bloom time . These plants tend to be cervid - resistant .

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