Carnation Facts | Facts about Carnations

Why are carnations linked to Mother's Day?

The carnation became the symbol of Mother's Day because it was the favorite flower of founder Anna Jarvis's mother.

The red carnation is Ohio's state flower in honor of President William McKinley.

Oscar Wilde made the green carnation a fashion statement.

Portugal's Carnation Revolution of 1974 was a mostly peaceful coup, named after the carnations people put in soldiers' guns.

Oxford students wear carnations to their exams.

The carnation's genus name, Dianthus, means "flower of the gods."

Carnations can be dyed by putting their stems in colored water.

Cut carnations can last two to three weeks in a vase.

Colombia is a major exporter of carnations.

The carnation is Spain's national flower.