Carnation: Carnations are often worn on special occasions, especially Mother's Day and weddings. They were known as "Jove's Flower" in ancient Rome as a tribute to one of their beloved gods. In Korea, red and pink Carnations are used for showing their love and gratitude toward their parents on Parents Day (Korea does not separate Mother's Day and Father's Day, but has Parents Day on May 8). Sometimes, you can see old parents wear a corsage of Carnation(s) on their left chest on Parents Day. Not only on Parents Day, but also on Teacher's Day (May 15), people express their admiration and gratitude to their teachers with Carnations, as Carnation has the meaning of 'admiration', 'love', and 'gratitude'.

It is the national flower of Spain, and the provincial flower of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands. It is also the symbol of the Portuguese Carnation Revolution. The state flower of Ohio is a scarlet carnation. The choice was made to honour William McKinley, Ohio Governor and U.S. President, who was assassinated in 1901, and regularly wore a scarlet carnation on his lapel.

Carnations painted by RedoutéFor the most part, carnations express love, fascination, and distinction, though there are many variations dependent on colour:

• Light red carnations represent admiration, while dark red denote deep love and affection. *White carnations indicate pure love and good luck, while striped symbolise a regret that a love cannot be shared.
• Red Carnations are the official flower of the fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon.
• Rose Carnations are the official flower of the Phi Mu Fraternity.
• Carnations are the official flower of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority, as they are the longest lasting flowers.
• Green carnations are for St. Patrick's Day and were famously worn by the Irish writer Oscar Wilde. The green carnation thence became a symbol of homosexuality in the early 20th century.
• Purple carnations indicate capriciousness. In France, it is a traditional funeral flower, given in condolence for the death of a loved one.
• Pink carnations have the most symbolic and historical significance. according to a Christian legend, carnations first appeared on Earth as Jesus carried the Cross. The Virgin Mary shed tears at Jesus' plight, and carnations sprang up from where her tears fell. Thus the pink carnation became the symbol of a mother's undying love, and in 1907 was chosen by ann Jarvis as the emblem of Mother's Day, now observed in the United States and Canada on the second Sunday in May. a red carnation may be worn if one's mother is alive, and a white one if she has died.

In some cultures, however--especially French culture--the carnation symbolises misfortune and bad luck. The Carnation is also the birth flower for those born in the month of January.

at Oxford University, carnations are traditionally worn to all examinations; white for the first exam, pink for exams in between and a red for the last exam

Propagation: Carnations are grown from seed. Carnation seeds can be directly seeded into your flower garden, or started indoors for transplanting later. If planting outdoors, sow them early in the spring. But, make sure the soil is not too wet.

When sowing seeds, cover lightly with 1/4 inches of fine soil. Space seeds or seedlings 12" apart.

If you are growing perennials, you can propagate them from cuttings or by division. Once your plants have been established, they can be propagated by separation in the fall.

How to Grow: Carnations plants are very easy to grow. They prefer full sun and a rich, well drained soil. Water them during dry periods, once or twice per week. add a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a month.

Carnations will grow 16-18" and make great borders or edging. Space plants 12" apart.

Once your Carnations are established, they will grow well and bloom from the spring and throughout the summer. The perennial varieties are hardy. They will withstand light frosts before going dormant for the winter. Perennials should be mulched for winter protection against extreme cold temperatures.

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