Flower of the Gods

Did you know the Carnation is the flower of the Gods?

The Carnation's botanical name is Dianthus caryophullus.  Dianthus comes from the Greek words dios, refering to the god Zeus and anthos, meaning flower.  Therefore, "the flower of the Gods".

It is with excellent reason that the Carnation is "The Flower of the Gods".  Carnations are truly one of the longest lasting cut flowers. They come in an amazingly diverse array of colors and some varieties are fragrant with the scent of cloves. 

Unfortunately, carnations have an undeserved poor reputation among consumers and florists alike.  Consumers have been told Carnations are cheap, they are not cheap but absolutely the most affordable flower for its many virtues.  Consumers have also associated Carnations with poorly constructed, tacky arrangements, which once more has devalued the Carnation in the eyes of the consumer.  Some florist only know how to put Carnations with daisies and babies breath in a triangular shaped arrangement with terrible color combination, such a crime for "The Flower of the Gods". 

I implore the consumers and florists alike to re-discover the Carnation.  Large Carnations, Variegated Carnations, Mini-Carnations, High Style arrangements, Wild Flower arrangements, Wedding Bouquets, Contemporary arrangements...."The Flower of the Gods" , so aptly named, is by far one of the most important flowers for today's conscience consumer and for the florist who is looking for a flower that can do it all.

Continue to read about the amazing "Flower of the Gods"...

Carnation is first mentioned in history with its use in garlands, worn by Greeks and Romans.  It's natural history is first thought to be recorded in 50 BC.  Carnations have been used medicinally to control fevers, expel poison, as a dye for black hair, and to flavor beer, ale and wine.

The name carnation may have been originated from the word coronation, or corone, which means flower garland.  Carnations were one of the first flowers used in ceremonial crowns in Greece.  The word "pink" is derived from a word meaning scalloped describing the shape of the edges of carnation petals (think pinking shears).

Carnations are an essential addition to cottage gardens and they are many varieties  from Sweet Williams to Cottage Pinks that will grow in your climate. They make wonderful cut flowers from your own garden and look super cute in little vintage containers. I especially love to put them in white ironstone pitcures and mix them with calendula, sage and salvia.  Makes such a cute little arrangement.