January Birth Flower - Carnation

The spicy, clove-like fragrance of the carnation is distinctive, as is ithe multi-petal blossom. The carnation is the birth flower for those born in January.

Botanical name:
Dainthus caryophyllus
Type:
Herbaceous perennial
Light:
Full sun
Flowers:
Pink/purple, red, white and others
Blooms:
Spring through summer
Height:
16-18”
Soil Requirements:
Rich, well-drained

Christian legend says the first carnations appeared where Mary’s tears fell along the path Jesus walked to the cross. In 1907, Ann Jarvis chose the pink carnation as the emblem of Mother's Day. The flower expresses love (light red carnations represent admiration; dark red shows deep love and affection; white shows pure love and good luck).