Have you ever been gifted a single white carnation or a bouquet of them? The beautiful flowers have a specific meaning depending on their color, and white carnations have their own special meaning just as pink carnations or red carnations do.
Any of them would make a great Mother's Day gift, and regular or mini carnations can be used in floral arrangements, centerpieces, or corsages for wedding flowers or for other events. Wanna learn more about carnations and white carnation flowers in particular? You've come to the right place.
What Are Carnations?
Carnations are also known as Dianthus caryophyllus or clove pink. They were mentioned in Greek literature 2000 years ago and the name "is believed to come from the Latin corona-ae, a 'wreath, garland, chaplet, crown,'" according to Wikipedia.
Carnations are herbaceous perennial plants with a sweet scent and there can be red, white, yellow, blue, green, pink, and purple carnations, among other variations.
They make beautiful fresh-cut flowers for flower arrangements and pair nicely with other flowers like peonies, tulips, calla lilies, dahlias, and more. If you've got some in your garden, why not play around with making a DIY bouquet yourself?
What is the Meaning of White Carnation Flowers?
White carnations are a symbol of pure love and good luck, according to Petal Republic. Bloom and Wild agrees, saying the white carnation represents purity and good luck.
According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, carnations are also the birth flower for people born in January, along with snowdrops. White carnations specifically would make a good choice for someone whose delivery date arrives in the snowy first month of the year.
As for the other carnation meanings, pink represents a mother's love, according to Petal Republic, though Bloom and Wild says they symbolize gratitude. (So...still great as a Mother's Day gift!) Light red carnations are for friendship, whereas dark red are for romantic love and affection.
Do you have a favorite carnation color?
