Carnation Flower Meaning: Colors and Symbolism

Carnations are one of the most popular choices for flower bouquet gifts. There are so many colors available, making them a perfect addition to a mixed flower arrangement or the center of a carnation-only bouquet. Whichever option you choose can be elevated by picking the right carnation colors. Learn more about carnations’ meaning based on their color and the reason why they’re a trending gift for loved ones.

Discover Carnation Bouquets That Inspire

For 2,000 years, the carnation flower has been picked, gathered, and gifted as a form of fascination. This symbolism is rooted in their eye-catching appearance with ruffled petals and delicate form. Throughout Ancient Greece and Rome, people would cultivate carnations known as the “heavenly flower.” These flowers were respected as health-promoting treatments and repurposed as artistic expressions.

Even after thousands of years, humans continue to be drawn to their beauty and are still one of the most popular flower choices. If you’re looking to send a thoughtful flower arrangement, use the following carnation facts to help you pick a bouquet that makes a statement.

What Colors Are Carnations Available In?

If you’ve found yourself asking what colors are carnations available in you’ll be pleased to learn that they come in nearly every variation but the most popular colors you’ll find in a florist shop are red, white, pink, and yellow. Each one carries its own carnations meaning that you can use to tailor your gift.

What Do Carnations Symbolize?

There are carnation flowers meaning all types of deep thoughts, whether you want to tell someone I love you or send a sign of your devotion. Much of their meaning comes down to their color—red denotes devotion, white says good luck, and pink is one of the most popular Mother’s Day choices.

What Occasions Are Carnations For?

Understanding your carnation flower meaning will help you pick the right option for an upcoming occasion. Since carnations symbolize feelings that are enduring like admiration, devotion, and captivation, they suit a range of important milestones, such as birthdays, graduations, holidays, and anniversaries.

How to Care for Carnations?

One of the longest-lasting flower arrangements is a bouquet of carnations, which makes them so popular. Carnations themselves will last for two weeks but require the proper steps to get them to last longer. If carnations are dropped off in just a pouch, be sure to cut their stems, place them in a clean vase, and add 2”-3” of water that you replace every other day.

If you buy your flowers from a skilled florist, they can provide active treatments, helpful tips, and effective flower food to keep as fresh for as long as possible.

Language of Colors: Carnation Flower Meaning

Carnation color meanings vary based on their hue. While some carnations are perfect for heartfelt holidays like Mother’s Day, others are better suited to send thoughts of celebration, like graduations. Learn more about each carnation meaning by color to guide you in choosing an option that’s beautiful and symbolic.

Pink Carnation Meaning

In Christian history the pink carnation bloomed following the Virgin Mary weeping as she watched her son walk towards his crucifixion. The pink carnation flower meaning became a symbol of a mothe’s eternal love for her child. Pink carnations are normally used to symbolize this everlasting love during Mother’s Day occasions, wife anniversaries, birthdays, and new mother gifts.

Red Carnation Meaning

Red flower bouquets express an unmistakable message of love and this also applies to carnations. The red carnation flower meaning is deep and passionate while light red carnations are better suited for admirers. To express a sweetheart message, red carnations are a beautiful way to celebrate romantic holidays like Valentine’s Day, Sweetest Day, anniversaries, or birthdays.

White Carnation Meaning

The white carnation symbolism is rooted in their pure color and gentle appearance. A white carnation flower meaning warm wishes is perfect for occasions that require a little extra luck, like graduations, weddings, and milestones.

Yellow Carnation Meaning

While most yellow flowers are sent to put a smile on someone’s face, the yellow carnation symbolism is disappointment. Since the yellow carnation flower meaning is less cheerful than others, they’re usually sent when someone needs cheering up instead of times of celebration. You should send a yellow flower bouquet to show someone you’re here for them as a form of reconciliation.

Purple Carnation Meaning

Purple flowers are traditionally associated with royal emotions like success or accomplishment, yet purple carnations express emotions of spontaneity. Purple carnations are an excellent gift to give the adventurer in your life. Send these before they take a big trip, accomplish new heights, or begin an important milestone.

Personalize Your Carnation Symbolism With a Talented Florist

Send a gift that transcends time with symbolic carnation flower bouquets. Flowers’ Cuddles offers a variety of curated carnation arrangements—from the passionate Ruby Red the gentle Love Bubble. If the event that you need a bouquet of flowers near me assembled with care and ready to be displayed, we can help.

In addition to standard flowers, we also offer gorgeous add-ons like cards and Cuddles dolls. They’re all carefully inserted to put a smile on their new owners’ faces.

Whether you’re in Washington, DC, or Takoma Park, MD, we’re servicing the Greater DC Metro area with pride. View our list of locations to start your flower delivery in Springfield: Annandale, Fairfax Station, McLean, Reston, Vienna, Woodbridge, and delivery in Temple Hills!

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