• Here we are, at #4 most-popular flower once again! For a recap on how we find out which flowers are most popular in a bouquet, click here.

What is a carnation?

Photo credit: @johnsonslanding

According to FTD.com, carnations are a high-sunlight, mild temperature flower that can be perennial or annual. They’re a flower that often goes unbothered by pests and can come in tall and short varieties, not unlike hydrangeas and dahlias. Carnations are traditionally considered a first anniversary flower. They’re considered very fragrant and would add an extra element of smell to your wedding bouquet.

What do you need to know about carnations in a bouquet?

Photo credit: @jonnodoesflowers

Growing season

Because the carnation can be annual or perennial, their blooming seasons vary by type. Ask your florist about what seasons carnations are available in your area!

Color variety

According to Wikipedia, the original/natural color of a carnation is said to be a pinkish flesh tone. They also come in a wide variety of other colors, such as the following:

• Red/Scarlet

• Yellow

• Green

• Blue

• Purple

• White

• Pink

Carnations cannot be grown to be blue because they don’t carry a certain pigment necessary to create blue hues. Through genetic engineering, blue and violet hues have become available, though.

Bloom size

Carnation blooms can be anywhere from 3-5 centimetres across and can come in heads of single flowers all the way up to heads of five flowers together. Depending on the type of carnation you choose, they could be used to fill up large spaces in your bouquet or used in single heads to provide flourish and accent. Ask your florist about your styling options with carnations!