Carnation
Name: Dianthus, its botanical name, means divine flower. Carnation
was the flesh-pink colour Elizabethan portrait painters used
as a background wash.
Description: The carnation is
available as a standard carnation - one large flower per stem,
or a spray carnation with lots of
smaller flowers.
Colour: Available in a huge
range of colours, almost all except blue. A mauve carnation
with a blue tinge
has been developed
by Florigene in Australia. But they look best in hot Latin
shades of red, pink and orange.
Availability: All year round.
Varieties: New varieties have
been bred which look like old-fashioned garden pinks, but in
bright
colours.
They have daintier relatives,
the fantastically fragrant Sweet Williams and Pinks.
Care Tips: Carnations can last
up to three weeks but should be kept away from ripening fruit
and vegetables
becaise of ethylene
gas.
Facts: Carnations are the UK's
best-selling cut flower, by miles. They are an excellent cut-flower,
great value, very long-lasting,
Since the 1950's they have been frowned upon by the
style gurus, but are now making a comeback.
Folklore: Used on mothering
Sunday. In Canada you wear a red flower if your mother is
alive or
a white
flower if your mother
has died.
Language of Flowers: Red carnation
for "alas for my poor
heart", striped for refusal, yellow for disdain, pink for
woman's love.
