Carnation Flower Arrangements

Being ideal for any floral arrangement, carnations are favored by most florists and flower lovers. They are flowering plants, having scientific name Dianthus, which roughly means 'flower of love' or 'flower of the Gods'. They have been cultivated for past 2,000 years and are native to the Near East. Though carnations come in variety of sizes and colors, their traditional colors are pink, white, red and yellow. Their ruffled appearance, clove-like fragrance, and extended blooming period captivate people, that in some countries, carnations are more preferred than roses. Also carnations are the national flower of Spain and the birth flower of those born in January, hence are amongst the most popular flowers world wide. It is no wonder that the carnation flower arrangements are much sought after.

Pink carnations were among the first to be discovered, and have maintained their popularity and likability irrespective of the emergence of more uniquely colored carnations. The delicate shade of pink looks delightful and pleasing to sight, especially when mixed with brighter pink flowers such as hot pink roses. Thus arranged, it serve as best gifts for various occasions like weddings, anniversaries, Mother's day, etc. Likewise red carnations, for their robust color and wildfire like appearance, symbolizing love and passion are also ideal for Valentine's day flower bouquets. While white carnations stands for purity and innocence, and so are used to reflect budding romance or just friendship. Hence, taken together these diverse colored carnations can create a vibrant, colorful carnation flower arrangement that suits all events and celebrations.

Flower Arrangements with Carnations

Since carnations can live for a considerably long period of time (7 - 14 days, if cared properly), they spread cheer and happiness long after the event is over. Large carnations, for flower arrangements, can be used to give a bold and dramatic look, while small or mini carnations can introduce subtle of excitement and joy. There are many beautiful and elegant ways for flower arrangements with carnations, of which some are explained below:

Baskets: Flower baskets are one of the best ways to arrange carnations. A basket filled with carnations of different sizes and colors can make up a beautiful and appealing bouquet. In the spring, one can create a basket containing carnations, mini-carnations, baby's breath and daisies which would last at least a week or so, as all these flowers have a long shelf life. And for other seasons, carnations with an assortment of greens and spider mums would look great.

Tall Vase: Carnations cut to different heights, placed in a bud vase with some baby's breath and a bow would be an amazing carnation flower arrangement. One can add some greenery in the vase to fill up the bare spots in the arrangement. For larger vase, placing white variegated carnations with red roses would be a splendid combination. Also statice, a multi-stemmed flower with a very unusual texture, looks beautiful with red or white carnations.

Centerpieces: Carnations of varying colors and sizes with some mums, aster, or snapdragons to add some flair, can serve as exquisite and beautiful centerpieces. One can also place a tapered candle in the middle of the floral arrangement, to create a formal table centerpiece.

Various Flower Arrangement Ideas

White or pink carnation flowers can be the most likable flower gift for any occasion, that too if you do it all by yourself. Given, below are step-by-step easy instructions for making floral arrangements with carnations.

• Choose carnations of your favorite colors and hold them together in multiples of 12 i.e. 12, 24. or 36.
• Hold any three carnations in your hand in a roughly triangular shape, around 6 inches from each other at slightly varying heights to make the bouquet look like a nice, big bunch.
• Add a carnation to each of the carnations in your hand, in such a way that it forms a bigger triangle by placing them at different levels.
• Now add two carnations on each of the three groups so that the entire bunch would look to have a circular outer edge. Keep adding more carnations until it forms one full set.
• Wrap the bunch of flowers around the stems with the help of a tape and then cover the tape with a ribbon.
• Using scissors, cut the stems an inch below the ribbon and place the bouquet in a vase containing water. Moisten the flower with water and keep the bouquet at a cool place.

Carnations are attractive, hardy and affordable flowers which have been the most popular and lovable flowers throughout the years. Whether you choose colored carnations or a monochromatic carnation arrangement for a gift or for decoration purpose, it will be loved and appreciated by your guests or recipients. For the longevity of flowers, keep them in clean vases having fresh and mildly warm water. Remove the leaves below the water level and avoid keeping this flower arrangement in direct sunlight and/or heat.