Classic Carnation

Never a lover of the flower myself, I knew little about the Carnation and always thought of them as a cheap substitute to the rose. But having recently spotted it in various blogs and magazines I must admit I’m a new fan!

I’ve learned some interesting facts about this versatile little blossom and I can’t resist passing them on.

Did you know Carnations have been cultivated in the East for thousands of years, and each colour has its own special significance? For example pink symbolizes a Mother’s love, red symbolize admiration and white, good luck. The flower itself supposedly means fascination, womanly love and devoted love.

From a bridal perspective, Carnations are available all year round in a wide range of colours (Florigene in Australia has developed a mauve carnation with blue edges) and sizes, and with proper care, carnations can last up to two weeks.
But by far the most fascinating fact about this ruffled, ball-shaped bloom is that they can be dyed … yep, any colour you wish!!

Here’s how …

Start with fresh white carnations, preferably some that are not fully opened and cut the stem at an angle.

* Fill a vase with room temperature water and add drops of food coloring. (If you use a narrow vase you won't need as much water and therefore your food colour will be darker).

* Put your flowers in the vase and keep in the refrigerator to stay fresh while they soak up the dye. They should start to pick up the colour quickly so keep watch.

* Sometimes only the tips will dye. If this happens, cut the stem again and put it in another vase with a different colour. You may end up with a multi-coloured carnation.

* Another trick is to split the stem all the way up and put one side of the stem in a vase with one colour and the other side of the stem in a vase with another color and you should end up with a carnation that is half one colour and half the other!