🌸 Carnation meaning & symbolism
The carnation is a birth flower for January and traditionally symbolises love, fascination and distinction. Carnations are one of the most popular cut flowers in the world, valued for their ruffled petals, spicy scent and long vase life.
Carnation colour meanings
- Red
- deep love and admiration
- Pink
- gratitude and a mother's love
- White
- pure love and good luck
Carnation facts
- Carnations have been cultivated for more than 2,000 years.
- Their scientific name, Dianthus, is often translated as "flower of the gods".
- The white carnation became a symbol of Mother's Day in the United States.
The other January birth flower is the snowdrop. See the January birthstone and birth flowers.
Birth flowers by month
- Jan · Carnation
- Jan · Snowdrop
- Feb · Violet
- Feb · Primrose
- Mar · Daffodil
- Mar · Jonquil
- Apr · Daisy
- Apr · Sweet pea
- May · Lily of the valley
- May · Hawthorn
- Jun · Rose
- Jun · Honeysuckle
- Jul · Larkspur
- Jul · Water lily
- Aug · Gladiolus
- Aug · Poppy
- Sep · Aster
- Sep · Morning glory
- Oct · Marigold
- Oct · Cosmos
- Nov · Chrysanthemum
- Dec · Narcissus
- Dec · Holly
Frequently asked questions
What does the carnation symbolise?
The carnation traditionally symbolises love, fascination and distinction.
What month is the carnation the birth flower for?
The carnation is a birth flower for January. The other January birth flower is the snowdrop.