Carnations

The Carnation; the uncrowned Queen

The Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) is one of the oldest cultivated flowers known to mankind, and with its age it has gathered an enormous amount of meanings!

The primary meaning of the Carnation is fascination and love. In China, a carnation is the symbol of marriage and traditionally in the West, the carnation is given on a first wedding anniversary.

Carnations were originally grown in pink and peachy colours, but over the centuries growers have extended the colours to red, yellow, white, purple, green, and even striped multicolour varieties!
Each of these colours bring a different meaning to the flower - White carnations are said to mean Purity in Love and Good Luck, whilst in mainland Europe the White Carnation is often used as a sympathy or remembrance flower. On the other hand, with the ‘good luck’ connotation, some people will give a white carnation when somebody accepts a new job!
Red Carnations were once even more popular then Red Roses and held a very similar meaning, albeit a little more subtle.
Pale red carnations send a message of Admiration, whilst Deep Red Carnations communicate your Deep Love and Affection – both are equally suitable for your first wedding anniversary.
Pink Carnations - the originally bred variety - have a special significance, as some believe that the first carnation grew on the spot where the tears of Virgin Mary hit the soil when she saw the suffering of Her Son. This makes Pink Carnations an incredible symbol of a mother’s Eternal and undying Love. Pink Carnations also symbolise Gratitude – so what better than a bouquet of pink carnations for your mother or grandmother?
Purple carnations are gorgeous flowers that can make a stunning gift, but beware! You could send a message of Change and Impulsiveness!
With the advent of the Green Carnation, a whole new use for the flower was found – in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day! Give your Irish loved-ones a bunch of green flowers this Paddy's Day!

The Carnation is the flower of the zodiac sign the Capricorn (22/12 – 21/1), making it a suitable gift for a Winter birthday.

So choose the colour of your Carnation and we’ll hand tie a lovely bunch today. Blossom and Twigs has several arrangements with Carnations that will last more then 10 days, ensuring that your gift endures!