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Carnation flower
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Carnation flower

Dianthus caryophyllus

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameCarnation flower
DescriptionClassic florist flower featuring densely ruffled, fringed petals with distinctive spicy, clove-like fragrance. Blooms come in virtually every color except true blue, from traditional reds and pinks to whites, yellows, purples, and multicolored varieties. One of the world's most important cut flowers, valued for exceptional vase life of 2-3 weeks, year-round availability, and symbolic meanings—red for love, white for pure love, pink for mother's love.
FamilyCaryophyllaceae
GenusDianthus
TribeCaryophylleae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr ⊕ ⚥ K(5) C5 A(5+5) G(2-5)

Ebracteate (no bracts), radially symmetrical (actinomorphic), bisexual, 5 fused sepals forming tube, 5 free petals with long claws and fringed limbs, 10 stamens in 2 whorls of 5, 2-5 fused carpels with superior ovary and free central placentation

Features
  • Name 'carnation' possibly from Latin 'carnis' (flesh) for pink color, or 'coronation' for use in ceremonial crowns. 'Dianthus' from Greek 'dios' (divine) and 'anthos' (flower) meaning 'flower of the gods.' 'Caryophyllus' refers to clove-like scent. Called 'Gillyflower' in medieval times
  • Flowers 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) across with numerous ruffled, fringed petals creating full, rounded blooms. Single forms have 5 petals; doubles have 20-40 layered petals. Colors include red, pink, white, yellow, purple, orange, green, and bicolors. Strong clove fragrance in many varieties
  • Herbaceous perennial (often grown as annual in cut flower production). Blooms spring through fall (May-October) in gardens, year-round in greenhouses. Standard types have one large flower per stem; spray types have multiple smaller blooms per stem
  • Grows 1-2.5 feet (30-75 cm) tall depending on type (dwarf 6-12 inches, standard 18-24 inches, tall 24-30 inches). Lifespan of 2-3 years as perennial, often grown as annual. Propagated from cuttings (commercial), seeds, or layering
  • Native to Mediterranean region, particularly Greece, Italy, and Spain. Cultivated for over 2,000 years, one of world's oldest cultivated flowers. Now grown commercially worldwide, especially Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya, Netherlands, and California
  • Requires full sun with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50-70°F/10-21°C), struggles in extreme heat. Needs well-drained, slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.5-7.5). Moderate water; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases
  • Among top 5 most popular cut flowers globally with exceptional vase life of 14-21 days. Official flower of Mother's Day in many countries. Used in boutonnieres, corsages, and wedding flowers. Edible petals used in salads and as garnish (remove bitter white base). Deer resistant

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificDianthus caryophyllus
English (Alternate)Dianthus caryophyllus, Clove pink, Flower of Gods, Heavenly Flowers
Hindiकार्नेशन (Karneshan), गुल्नार (Gulnar), लाली (Lali)
Tamilகார்னேசன் (Kaarneechan), ரோசாப்பூ (rOsA-p- poo)
Teluguకార్నేషన్ పువ్వు (kārnēṣan puvvu)
Malayalamകാർണേഷൻ (Kaarneshon)
Kannadaಕಾರ್ನೇಷನ್ ಹೂವು (Kārṇēṣan hūvu)
Sanskritरक्तवर्ण पुष्पप्रभेदः (raktavarna puspaprabhedah), चन्दनी (chandani)
Bengaliকার্নেশন (Kārṇeśan), ডায়ান্থাস (ḍāyanthāsa)
Frenchœillet
Russianгвоздика (gvozdika)
Spanishclavel
Germandie Nelke, Gartennelke

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.