Names:
Carnation Flower,
Dianthus.
 
Varieties:
There are over 300 species of dianthus, and hundreds of varieties. The common florist carnations or English carnation is available in large single blooms and in a miniature or spray variety with five to six flowers per stem.
 
Colors:
Available in an enormous array of shades and colors; some varieties are bicolored 
 
or variegated. The most common colors are red, pink, white, and burgundy. Carnations are a popular flower to dye. 
 
Scent:
Some have a fresh clove scent. 
 
Freshness:
The flowers are about half open. The spray variety has a few flowers half to fully open, with the rest in bud. 
 
Vase Life:
10 days to 2 weeks, sometimes longer. Although this is a long-lasting flower, be careful when handling carnations, as their heads can pop off easily.
 
Availability:
All year. 
 
Cost:
Inexpensive. 
 
Meaning:
A pink carnation flower is the symbol of mother's love and the emblem of Mother's Day. Other colors have their own meanings: Yellow is for disdain, purple for antipathy, striped for refusal. White is for pure and ardent love, while red means "Alas my poor heart." 
 
Arranging Tip:
Carnation flowers are inexpensive, very long-lasting flowers, so one would expect them to be a favorite. However, they are shunned by many as cheap and undesirable. Carnations can be manipulated to take on an elegant look by massing them together in a tight bunch, or adding them to simple greenery. They are also an inexpensive choice to fill in or to cover parts of arrangements. See also flower arranging tip, 12.