Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus)
Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus)
Monthly Theme: OH, Ohio!!
As a native Ohioan, born in C-Town (Cleveland) many moons ago, I thought it would be fun to talk about everything Ohio. Since 1904, the Ohio State Flower has been the Scarlet Carnation (dianthus caryophyllus). Legislature selected the red carnation to honor Ohio-born President William McKinley, who was assassinated in 1901. For luck, McKinley wore a red carnation in the buttonhole of his jacket. So much for the lucky theory!
The Greek word for dianthus comes from a fusion of divine ("dia") and flower ("antho"). By combining these two ancient Greek words, it means "flower of God" or "heavenly flower.”
Dianthus have frilly petals in colors such as red, pink, white, purple, yellow, and even green (think of St. Patrick’s Day). The blue and purple colors were created with biotechnology using genes from petunias and snapdragons.
Deep red carnations are said to symbolize romantic love and passion, which is why they are often used in floral arrangements at weddings or for anniversaries. Pale red carnations mean admiration or the feeling of a heart aching for another person. Pink carnations mean gratitude and the idea of someone being unforgettable. Variegated (striped) carnations convey regret that a love cannot be shared. White carnations represent pure love and good luck (maybe McKinley should have worn a white carnation!). Purple carnations are a traditional funeral flower, given in condolence for the loss of a loved one.
The first International Women's Day was in 1911 and women wore red carnations in their lapels to represent a symbol of their right to vote. The red carnation was a sign of equality that coincided with women's equality and labor demands.
Dianthus come from the Mediterranean area and are sometimes called Clove Pink. Over the past 2,000 years, they have been highly cultivated. As a result, they possess delicate petals, brilliant colors, and enchanting aromas. The scent is spicy with a mix of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg (like my favorite Christmas flavors!).
Also, the carnation is the birth flower for those born in the month of January. Happy heavenly birthday to my dad who was born in January!
Smarty Plants Fun Facts
Carnations is a genus of plants of the Caryophyllaceae family.
Carnations require well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil, and full sun.
The greyish green to blue-green slender stems can grow 6”-31” tall.
They produce a single flower or up to five blooms, which are called a cyme.
Other Ohio Fun Facts
The white trillium is Ohio's official wildflower. White trillium is also known as snow trillium, great white trillium, or large white trillium. Ohio General Assembly selected this wildflower because it can be found in all of Ohio's 88 counties.
The official state tree is the Ohio Buckeye and the state leaf is the Buckeye leaf, which is probably why Ohio State University team's mascot is Brutus Buckeye (who is actually a giant nut). The Buckeye tree represents strength and sturdiness. Ohio State’s football team has proven to be a formidable team. They have captured 41 conference championships, 10 division championships, and have had 10 undefeated seasons.
Keeping with the buckeye theme. Buckeye candy is a favorite in the region. It’s a chocolate and peanut butter treat in the form of a buckeye nut.
Ohio’s official native fruit comes from the Ohio Pawpaw tree. I have two growing in my yard, but they haven’t produced any fruit yet.
Red like the carnations, Ohio’s state beverage is tomato juice. Interestingly, Ohio is the nation's third-largest producer of tomatoes. Ohioans must love the color red because in 1933 they designated the red Northern Cardinal as the state bird of Ohio.
Ohio gets its name from an Iroquois Indian word Ohi–yo, which means "great or beautiful river." Maybe that is why the state song of Ohio is “Beautiful Ohio.”
The More You Grow
Carnations have gotten a bad rap because they are perceived to be a cheap supermarket flower unlike the regal rose or orchid. But did you know they are the second most popular cut flower right behind the rose? This might be a result of the extra-long vase life they offer consumers.
Carnations are surprisingly easy to grow and are popular as cut flowers. Hardy carnations work well in beds, borders, containers, and rock gardens. They are profusive bloomers from late spring to midsummer. The more you deadhead, the more flowers you will be able to enjoy. Besides the lovely flowers, you get the bonus of a fragrant flower to drift through the summer breeze.
You can start carnations from seeds outside, but it's unlikely that your plants will bloom the first year. Sow the seeds 1/8” deep in well-drained soil. After they start growing, you’ll need to thin them 10”-12” apart. Or you can start them indoors 6-8 weeks before your area will be frost-free. Don’t tell anyone, but I took the easy route and bought starter plants from a local nursery.
Carnations are quickly becoming a favorite flower for home gardeners and not “Only in Ohio!” They produce tons of flowers with little effort other than watering. Ohio’s slogan is the “heart of it all”- with carnations growing in your flower garden, those plants will rapidly become the “heart of the garden!”