Plant FAQs: Carnation – Dianthus Caryophyllus

I think carnations look like little bursts of ruffled sunshine. Their petals are tightly layered, sometimes with a delicate fringe on the edges, which always reminds me of fancy pinking shears. They have this full, fluffy appearance that just seems cheerful and celebratory. The stems are long and slender, and the blooms always have a way of standing tall and proud with their vibrant colors. You’ll often see carnations in a wide array of colors, from classic reds and pinks to playful yellows and even soft purples.

I’ve always found the symbolism of carnations to be quite fascinating. They represent a whole spectrum of love, from the pure love and good luck symbolized by white carnations to the fiery passion of deep red ones. Pink carnations, which were often used for Mother’s Day, hold a special meaning of gratitude and remembrance. For me, carnations symbolize warmth, a celebration of the different types of love, and the idea that sometimes the most beautiful things can come in seemingly simple packages.

Believe it or not, carnation petals are actually edible! I’ve never personally tried them myself, but I’ve heard they have a subtle sweetness with a hint of spice, almost like cloves or nutmeg. They are often used to decorate salads, as a garnish for cakes, or even steeped in wine for a unique twist. I’m a bit of an adventurous eater, so I’m definitely intrigued to give them a try sometime. I imagine they would add a lovely pop of color and surprising flavor to a dish!

It depends on the variety! Some types of carnations are perennials, meaning they come back year after year. My grandmother’s carnations always seemed to reappear faithfully each spring, adding their familiar scent to the air. Other types of carnations are annuals, completing their life cycle in a single season. I remember buying small pots of carnations at the farmer’s market, knowing they’d brighten up my porch for a while before fading away.

Unfortunately, I’ve learned that carnations can be mildly toxic to cats. I had a vase of them on my coffee table once, and my curious cat decided to take a nibble. Thankfully, she didn’t have a severe reaction, but she ended up with some tummy troubles and seemed a bit under the weather for a day. It was a lesson to me that even seemingly harmless flowers can be dangerous for our feline friends, and now I’m much more careful about what plants I keep in the house.

Yes, carnations are considered mildly toxic to dogs. My neighbor’s dog once got into her flower bed and munched on some carnations, which definitely wasn’t ideal! She ended up having a bit of an upset stomach and some skin irritation. It definitely wasn’t a serious situation, but since then I’ve always tried to keep an eye on my curious pup whenever we’re around flowering plants, just in case. It’s better to be safe and keep our furry friends away from anything that could make them feel unwell.

There are a few ways I like to dry carnations! My favorite method is pressing them. I remember doing this with leaves as a kid, and it works beautifully with flowers too. I carefully sandwich my chosen carnation blooms between sheets of parchment paper and place them inside a heavy book. The weight gently presses and flattens them, preserving their shape and color. Another way I’ve dried carnations is the simple hanging method. I tie a bunch together at the stems and hang them upside down in a dark, airy spot until they’re completely dry and papery.

Carnations are the rainbow of flowers! They come in an amazing variety of colors. The classics that bring a bit of nostalgia for me are pinks, reds, and whites. Then, you have bright yellows, oranges, and even purples offering a really vibrant look. I’ve even seen some modern carnations with stripes or speckled patterns, which are super fun. My grandmother’s carnations always seemed to be in softer shades, but the possibilities are honestly endless!

Carnations are the rainbow of flowers! They come in an amazing variety of colors. The classics that bring a bit of nostalgia for me are pinks, reds, and whites. Then, you have bright yellows, oranges, and even purples offering a really vibrant look. I’ve even seen some modern carnations with stripes or speckled patterns, which are super fun. My grandmother’s carnations always seemed to be in softer shades, but the possibilities are honestly endless!

Roses, the classic symbol of love, have always held a certain allure. But for me, carnations have their own charm. Unlike the passionate intensity of a rose, carnations offer a softer, more gentle affection. I once gave my grandmother a bouquet of pink carnations on Mother’s Day, and she was overjoyed by their understated beauty.

Marigolds, with their bold, sunny colors, are undeniably cheerful. But carnations, in their pastel hues, have a quieter kind of beauty. I recall planting a row of carnations in my garden and watching as they gradually filled with color, creating a calming oasis amidst the more vibrant flowers.

Chrysanthemums, with their structured petals and autumnal tones, have a sophisticated air. Carnations, on the other hand, feel more approachable and friendly. I remember receiving a mixed bouquet of carnations and chrysanthemums, and while the chrysanthemums were undeniably striking, I found myself drawn to the carnations’ gentle sweetness.