Flower meanings
Carnation: a mother's undying love
Pink carnations are literally the official flower of motherhood: Anna Jarvis chose them for the first Mother's Day in 1907 because they were her mother's favourite. They mean a love that never lets go.
What a carnation looks like
A dense dome of fringed petals with jagged tips, so the whole head looks softly frilled at the edge. It holds its shape better than any other bloom here, which is why florists have leaned on it for a century.
When people send carnations
Mother's Day above all, plus thank yous and get well soon. Pink is the mother's carnation, white is remembrance, red is straightforward admiration.
The colours we draw
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Create a bouquet 💐What does a carnation symbolise?
Pink carnations are literally the official flower of motherhood: Anna Jarvis chose them for the first Mother's Day in 1907 because they were her mother's favourite. They mean a love that never lets go.
What does a carnation look like?
A dense dome of fringed petals with jagged tips, so the whole head looks softly frilled at the edge. It holds its shape better than any other bloom here, which is why florists have leaned on it for a century.
When should I give someone carnations?
Mother's Day above all, plus thank yous and get well soon. Pink is the mother's carnation, white is remembrance, red is straightforward admiration. Carnations say "a mother's undying love", so they fit any moment where that is the message you want to send without spelling it out.