The carnation: In the Flower Agenda in May

A new month, a new flower in the spotlight. This month the vintage carnation takes centre stage. With its many forms and high quality, it’s a flower to adore. Consumers can read all about this versatile beauty at Funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk. Introduce your customers to the carnation! 

The carnation’s origin 

The original birthplace of the carnation is on the coast of the Mediterranean. The popularity of the flower goes back many centuries; for example, the Romans were already making wreathes and fresh eau de toilette out of carnations. The flower can also be regularly seen in religious paintings as a symbol of the Virgin Mary and to symbolise the suffering of Christ. The Latin name for the carnation is Dianthus, derived from Dios (God) and anthos (flower). That means that the carnation is a divine flower! 

Colours and shapes of the carnation
Green, deep purple, dark red, fluorescent yellow, champagne, soft orange, salmon pink, white or combinations of colours: the carnation offers a magnificent array of colours. But that’s certainly not the only remarkable thing about this flower. For example, are you familiar with the various shapes? There are carnation with a single flower, and there are spray carnations. The carnation also has eye-catching petals, with rounded, serrated or fringed edges. So it's no surprise that the carnation is a fantastic lead performer or support act in any vase. 

Caring for carnations 

• Make sure the vase is clean.
• Fill the vase with water and cut flower food.
• Remove the bottom leaves.
• Trim the stems.
• Keep carnations away from direct sunlight and ripening fruit.

Carnation symbolism
The carnation symbolises passion, longing and romance. That's why Renaissance painters in the 15th and 16th century chose this flower to appear in their engagement scenes. And nothing has changed in that regard: the carnation is still an appropriate gift for demonstrating passionate love. Or to revive the passion in your relationship. If that should be necessary…   

Bouquet recipe with carnations 
Renaissance painters in the 15th and 16th century chose the carnation with love to appear in opulent paintings. A bouquet with these romantic, colourful flowers results in a blooming still-life you just can’t keep your eyes off.  

You will need:

• Carnations
• Solidago (goldenrod)
• Spray carnations
• Lilac spray rose
• Salal (gaultheria)
• Phalaenopsis

 

More about the carnation 
Consumers can also find special DIY craft projects involving the romantic carnation at Funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk. Find an extra special inspirational idea for a wedding party, birthday or other celebrations, we love this unusual wall decoration made out of balloons and carnations! 

Inspiration and information 
Inspiring images of every flower in the Flower Agenda have been produced in line with the Horticulture Sector Trends 2017 (Groenbranche Trends 2017). These trends are a translation of what our consumers are interested in at the moment and are specifically aimed at the horticulture sector for use both indoors and outdoors. If you would like to find out more about the Flower Agenda click here.