Carnations

Carnations are flowers that vary in color and represent numerous different organizations around the world. Carnations are often worn on special occasions, especially Mother's Day and weddings. In Korea, red and pink carnations are used for showing their love and gratitude toward their parents on a specific day of the year. The carnation flower also happens to be the national flower of Spain. The carnation's history dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times, when it was used in art and decor. Christians believe that the first carnation bloomed on earth when Mary wept for Jesus as he carried his cross. This is why the carnation flower can be found in several famous pictures of the Virgin Mary. Carnations come from the Plantae kingdom and mean “Flowers from God” in the Greek language from their name, Dianthus. Of the several kinds of this particular plant, the three most common types are annual carnations, border carnations and perpetual-flowering carnations. When growing your own carnations, one must always remember that carnations are sun loving plants and should have at least six to eight hours of sun a day to be at their best. Another great thing about this plant are that they are generally disease and pest free.