Carnations, one of the oldest cultivated flowers in the world, are highly valued for their interesting appearance, clove-like fragrance, and long blooming period. These flowers, which have nothing to do with the spice of the same name, are widely found in many countries and are highly regarded by florists. They are often used in combination with other plants to create original and beautiful compositions. Carnations became popular several centuries ago, and new varieties continue to be developed to this day. Taking care of carnations is manageable even for the least experienced gardeners, which is why they are so common in private gardens.

1. The Royal Horticultural Society, founded in London in the early 19th century, officially registers carnation varieties.

2. The word “carnation“ is derived from the Latin word meaning “flower of Zeus“.

3. One variety of carnation changes color throughout the day. It starts off white in the morning, turns pink, and becomes dark pink by evening. This change was artificially bred.

4. Carnations were a symbol of the October Revolution and later the victory in the Great Patriotic War. They were not only a revolutionary symbol in Russia but also in France and Austria.

5. At the University of Oxford, it is a tradition to bring carnations to all exams: white for the first exam, pink for intermediate exams, and red for the final exam.

6. There are approximately 300-350 species of carnations in the world, but the most diverse range of these flowers is found in the Mediterranean region.

7. Muslims believe that the four main flowers that will grow in paradise are carnations, roses, hyacinths, and tulips.

8. Before meeting the Chinese emperor, his subjects had to chew on carnation flowers to emit a pleasant fragrance from their mouths.

9. Carnations are considered suitable flowers for gifts not only for women but also for men.

10. According to Christian tradition, the first carnation bloomed at the moment of Jesus Christ’s birth.

11. Carnations were always popular in the Soviet Union and became one of the symbols of victory in the Great Patriotic War.

12. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe believed that carnations symbolize friendship and steadfastness.

13. In floriography, the language of flowers, black carnations symbolize farewell, hatred, or death.

14. Spanish girls used to send secret messages to their lovers by pinning carnations of different shades to their dresses.

15. The Russian word “гвоздика“ (carnation) came from the German word for the spice clove, which has a completely different scent from the flower.

16. According to some scientists, the scent of carnations “stimulates positive emotions“.

17. In Belgium, carnations were considered flowers for the common people, while in France, only nobles were allowed to use them.

18. In the 19th century, a florist in Paris accidentally dropped a carnation into a tub of diluted green dye, turning its petals green. Thanks to this discovery, Paris soon became filled with carnations of the most incredible shades, which became extremely popular.