Carnations are a popular flower that come in a wide variety of colors. The original natural colors of carnations are white, pink, and red. Over time, carnations have been hybridized and bred to produce many other colors as well, but white, pink, and red remain the original colors that carnations occur in naturally. In this article, we will explore the history and symbolism of original carnation colors, how their colors are produced, and some interesting facts about these classic flowers.
What Are Carnations?
Carnations, also known as Dianthus caryophyllus or clove pinks, are a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. They are native to the Mediterranean region but are now grown globally as ornamental plants. Carnations are herbaceous perennials, living for more than two years. The plants can grow to 60 cm in height, with narrow greyish green or blue-green leaves. The leaves are slender, up to 15 cm long, with finely serrated edges.
Carnations produce brightly colored flowers ranging from white to pink to red. The flowers have five petals, often with serrated edges. They measure about 5 cm in diameter. The center of the flower contains the reproductive parts, including stamens with large pollen sacs and a bifurcated stigma. Below the petals are narrow bracts forming a conical tube or calyx. Carnations have a sweet, clove-like fragrance, which is where their alternative name “clove pinks” comes from.
Some key facts about carnations:
– There are over 300 natural and cultivated varieties of carnations.
– Carnations grow best in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil.
– Bloom time ranges from late spring to autumn.
– Carnations are edible and sometimes used in salads or to garnish dishes. The petals can also be used to make syrups.
– Carnations belong to the same family as common garden pinks, sweet williams, and gardenia.
History and Symbolism of Original Carnation Colors
Carnations have been cultivated for over 2,000 years. They originated in the Mediterranean region, probably native to Greece and Italy. References to carnations appear in ancient Greek literature and art, where they symbolized love, fascination, and distinction.
White Carnations
White carnations are believed to be one of the first natural colors that appeared in ancient carnation blooms. In the early centuries, white carnations had special significance in Greece and Rome. They were used to make ceremonial crowns and garlands to honor heroes and warriors.
Later on in Victorian times, white carnations took on their modern association with purity and innocence. A white carnation became a traditional Mother’s Day gift to signify a mother’s undying love. Today, white carnations represent sweetness, purity, faithfulness, and innocence. They are often used in wedding bouquets and arrangements.
Pink Carnations
Along with white, pink is another original carnation color arising in the wild. In Victorian times, the rosy pink carnation was said to represent gratitude. More recently, pink carnations have become strongly linked to Mother’s Day, taking on a meaning of love, fondness, and admiration. Pink carnations are now one of the most popular flowers to give to mothers and grandmothers on Mother’s Day. Other pink carnation meanings include joy, happiness, innocence, and gratitude.
Red Carnations
Red carnations are another naturally occurring original color. Red carnations hold the longest tradition and are rich in symbolism. In ancient times, red carnations were associated with love and devotion. Greek myth held that pink carnations first turned red when the goddess Diana pricked her toe on a carnation as she was fleeing from the Roman god Jove.
In the Middle Ages and Renaissance, red carnations represented deep love and affection. Red carnations became famous in the early 20th century as the symbol of the women’s suffragette movement. Today, a red carnation continues to symbolize admiration, pride, and love. Red carnations are given on Mother’s Day and are the traditional flower for a first wedding anniversary.
How Original Carnation Colors Are Produced
The natural colors of carnations arise from pigments produced by the flowers. White carnations lack pigment in their petal cells, so their petals reflect all wavelengths of light, resulting in a white appearance.
Pink and red carnations obtain their colors from anthocyanin pigments produced in the cell vacuoles. Anthocyanins are water-soluble plant compounds in the flavonoid family. They appear red, blue, or purple depending on the pH.
In carnations, anthocyanins are synthesized in the cytosol from compounds derived from the shikimate pathway. For pink carnations, the most prevalent anthocyanin is pelargonidin. Red carnations contain higher concentrations of cyanidin pigments. The pigment production is controlled by genetics and is enhanced by environmental factors like sunlight exposure.
Through selective breeding over hundreds of years, carnations have been developed to express many other colors. New hues are achieved by modifying different steps and pigments in the biochemical pathway for anthocyanin production. Other breeding methods like ionizing radiation have created carnations in shades of green, blue, burgundy, orange, peach and more. But at their origins, carnations are naturally white, pink, and red.
Interesting Facts About Original Carnation Colors
Carnation Colors Can Change
Many people think carnation colors are fixed, but some can change hue as the flower ages. For example, purple and maroon carnations will fade to a blue-purple shade. Pinks and reds may lighten to a paler version of the same color. The changes happen as pigment chemistry and structure is altered over the life of the flower.
Striped Carnations
Stripes and flecks are seen in some carnation varieties. These occur when sectors of the petal lack pigmentation enzymes. The striped sections fail to produce anthocyanins, leaving those areas white or paler than the rest of the petal. These carnations with stripes and flecks are called fancy carnations.
Blue Carnations
There are no truly blue carnations in nature. Blue is one of the hardest flower colors to achieve. Breeders spent decades trying to produce a blue carnation. In 1995, an Australian company named Florigene used genetic engineering to create the first truly blue-hued carnation, called Moonshadow.
Scents Vary
While most carnations have a sweet, spicy scent, some smell grassy, tangy, or fruity. The red Nelson carnation has a strong clove and cinnamon scent. Other varieties are nearly odorless. The diversity comes from differences in the blend and concentration of aromatic compounds produced.
High Symbolism
Few flowers rival the carnation’s rich symbolic history spanning centuries and global cultures. Over time, carnations have represented love, fascination, distinction, pride, beauty, purity, admiration, innocence, grief, and even political movements.
Edible Carnations
Carnations are technically edible. Petals can be used in salads, dress desserts as edible garnish, or made into syrups. The petals have a sweet, floral, clove-like taste. However, not all carnation varieties are safe to eat, so seek out carnations grown for human consumption before eating them.
Carnation Relatives
Common garden pinks, sweet williams, and gardenias are close relatives of carnations. They belong to the same family (Caryophyllaceae) and have 5-petaled, long-lasting flowers. Dianthus is the genus name for carnations and pinks.
Summary and Conclusion
Carnations are a beloved flower that have occurred naturally in white, pink, and red hues for centuries. Each original color carries special symbolism:
- White carnations represent purity, innocence, sweetness, and remembrance.
- Pink carnations signify joy, admiration, fondness, and grace.
- Red carnations symbolize deep love, pride, and admiration.
The pigments producing the colors are anthocyanins, controlled by the carnation plant’s genetics. Through breeding, carnations now exhibit a rainbow of non-original colors too. But the classic white, pink, and red carnation will always have a special place and meaning in floral history.
With their beautiful colors, sweet scent, and rich heritage, carnations remain one of the world’s most popular cut flowers and potted plants. They are used for everything from wedding flowers to Mother’s Day gifts to home gardening. Whether natural or dyed, carnations’ cheerfulness, long vase life, and affordability ensure their enduring appeal.
