Carnations & Carnation Bouquets

Carnations & Carnation Bouquets FAQs

What does a carnation symbolize?

Carnations are a beautiful way to communicate love, admiration, and affection. They’re also a great way to commemorate a special event, like a birthday or wedding. Since carnations are the birth flower for January, they’re especially suitable for those celebrating a birthday in the first month of the year. They are also a traditional Mother’s Day flower. Along with affection, they represent the gratitude you have for Mom. She will love her carnation flower delivery.

But certain colors have their own meanings too! Red carnations symbolize love and passion, as well as solidarity with workers’ movements. Light red carnations represent admiration and excitement, and pink carnations are a representation of parental love — added to a mixed bouquet, they make the perfect delivery for a child living away from home. On the other hand, white carnations are a classic symbol of good luck. When paired with daisies or sunflowers, they make for the perfect spring bouquet for baby showers, birthdays, or outdoor weddings. Pink carnations are a top choice for Mother’s Day but send a carnations bouquet delivery in her favorite shade.

What does sending carnations mean?

Carnations for delivery are a universal flower because they are appropriate for virtually every type of arrangement. Only roses are more popular. That makes them high on the list of FTD’s best-selling flowers. For instance, while carnations are lovely for a joyous occasion such as a birthday flower delivery, they are also suitable for somber events, such as a sympathy flower delivery or funeral flower delivery.

How long do carnations live?

If carnations are cut and kept in a vase, they can last two to three weeks. Using distilled water with low to no mineral content is the ideal way to keep the flowers looking fresh and vibrant. Be sure that every few days you change out the water, and feel free to mix in some flower food to help keep your carnations bouquet lively for longer.

What kind of weather do carnations do best in?

Carnations are native to the Mediterranean, where wild carnations grow in Spain, Greece, Italy, and Croatia. Similar to many types of the iris flower, if you’re planting carnations, environments with minimal exposure to cold temperatures are ideal. In the U.S., carnations are primarily grown in greenhouses and seldom found in outdoor gardens in cooler climes. However, if you live in a warm region, you may find great success in the garden with certain varieties.

The large florist’s carnations are not usually in typical gardens, but the spray and dwarf varieties can thrive when planted properly. Place them in an area receiving four to six hours of sunlight daily. They prefer well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. If planted in very fertile soil, carnations won’t bloom well, or the flowers will be discolored. They also do well in pots. Try growing carnations from cuttings. Take a 4-to-6-inch cutting from the end of the sprout, not where branch and stem meet. Place the cuttings in pure sand. Wait 25 to 30 days to transplant them.

However, if you’re ordering a bouquet, you’re probably keeping them indoors. In that case, plenty of fresh distilled water and sunlight are the ideal way to keep your bouquet of carnations looking vibrant. For a beautiful bouquet of long-lasting flowers that are sure to please, consider arrangements that pair carnations with hydrangeas. Whether carnations are the right way to send your message or long-stem roses are more your speed, FTD makes flower delivery quick and easy for any occasion.

We have the perfect bouquet for you!

Shop all Flowers to find the perfect bouquet or floral arrangement for your needs. FTD’s assortment of flowers and plants is second to none.