Alphabet of Color: Carnations to Delphiniums

Carnation flowers

• The carnation is a species of Dianthus native to somewhere in the Mediterranean region, although the exact location is unknown due to extensive cultivation.
• Carnations require well drained, slightly alkaline soil and a lot of sun.
• Carnations have been worn on several special occasions; most often during Mother’s Day and weddings. They are known as the Jove’s flower in ancient Rome as a tribute to the gods.
• In Korea, the red and pink carnations are used for showing love and gratitude toward their parents.
• The carnation is the national flower of Spain and the provincial flower to the community of the Balaeric Islands.
• A scarlet carnation is the state flower in Ohio.
• Originally the carnation was a pinkish color, however today they can be found in several different colors with several different meanings. The white carnation represents pure love and good luck, the light red symbolized admiration; the dark red represents deep love and affection. Purple carnations imply capriciousness, and pink carnations carry the most meaning; a symbol of a mother’s undying love.
• The carnation is the January birth flower and the first wedding anniversary flower.

Chrysanthemum flowers

Chrysanthemums have also been referred to as “mums” and are a genus of about thirty different species of flowering plants. They belong to the Asteraceae family and are native to Asia and northeastern Europe.

The Chrysanthemum genus was once much bigger than it is today; it was divided decades ago.

Chrysanthemums were originally cultivated in China as an herb during the 15th century. It was then introduced to Japan in the 8th century AD where the Emperor adopted the flower as the official seal. There is a festival of happiness just to celebrate the chrysanthemum flower.

Chrysanthemums have been shown to reduce indoor air pollution.

• The Chrysanthemum is named from the Greed prefix “chrys” meaning golden, and “anthemion” meaning flower.
• Chrysanthemums are the November birth flower and the 13th wedding anniversary flower. They are also the official flower of the city of Chicago.
• The Japanese consider the orderly folding of the chrysanthemum’s petals to represent perfection.

Daffodil flowers (Narcissus)

• The daffodil is a flowering bulb in the Amaryllis family. They are native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia.
• There are two derivations of the daffodil; one is the youth of Greek mythology called Narcissus. It is believed that he was so obsessed with his own reflection as he looked at himself in a pool of water that he fell in and drowned. The first Narcissus plant sprang from where he died. The other derivation is named after its narcotic properties.
• The name Daffodil came from an early variant of the Asphodel.
• The daffodil symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings and is synonymous with the spring season.
• They are sometimes called jonquils in some places, and in England they are known as the Lent Lily.
• The daffodil is a sign of the end of winter and it is said in Whales if you spot the first daffodil your next year will be filled with wealth.
• Daffodils are the March birth flower and the 10th wedding anniversary flower.

Delphinium flower (Larkspur)

• The delphinium flower is a genus of about 250 species of flowering plants. They are part of the buttercup family, native to the Northern Hemisphere and also the high mountains of tropical Africa.
• Another common name for the delphinium is the Larkspur.
• The word delphinium comes from the Greek word “delphis” meaning dolphin. They are used by Native Americans to make blue dye and the most ancient use was for driving away scorpions.
• These flowers are shaped like dolphins and symbolize an open heart and attachment.