Vase, meaning, vase life & Mother’s Day tradition
The most underestimated cut flower of all: lasting up to three weeks, available in every color — and making a comeback in style.
Carnations had an image problem for a long time. People used to dismiss them as “gas station flowers.” But in recent years, they’ve made a real comeback — on Instagram, in wedding bouquets, and with florists who know exactly what makes this flower so special. After all, carnation care is wonderfully easy and their vase life is hard to beat.
That’s exactly why they deserve a second look: why carnations are so much better than their reputation suggests, what the different colors mean, and why they simply belong to Mother’s Day. A perfect match is the Spring Joy Mother’s Day Bouquet. Another perfect choice is the Classic Roses Mother’s Day Bouquet. And another lovely option is the Festival of Color Mother’s Day Bouquet.
Quick profile: Carnation
Botanical: Dianthus caryophyllus
Origin: Mediterranean region
Name: “Dianthus” = flower of the gods
Grown in: Colombia, Kenya, Spain
Cut flower: available year-round
Vase life: 14–21 days!
Colors: Red, Pink, White, Yellow, Purple, Bicolor
Difficulty: very easy
Where do carnations come from?
Carnations come from the Mediterranean region and have been cultivated for more than 2,000 years. Their botanical name, “Dianthus,” means “flower of the gods” — and the ancient Greeks and Romans valued them for their spicy fragrance. In the Middle Ages, they were used as a medicinal plant, and during the Renaissance they were a popular motif in painting.
Today, carnations are grown mainly in Colombia, Kenya, and Spain. After roses and chrysanthemums, they are the third best-selling cut flower worldwide.
Carnation meaning — colors and symbolism
The meaning of carnations is rich and layered:
| Color | Meaning | Perfect for |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Deep love, admiration | Valentine’s Day, anniversary |
| Pink | Motherly love, gratitude | Mother’s Day — the classic choice! |
| White | Purity, happiness, loyalty | Wedding, christening |
| Yellow | Disappointment (historically), today: joy | Encouragement |
| Purple | Moodiness, unpredictability | Creative occasions |
Carnations and Mother’s Day
The connection between carnations and Mother’s Day goes back to Anna Jarvis, who organised the first Mother’s Day in the USA in 1908. She handed out white carnations — the favourite flower of her late mother. Since then, pink and red carnations have become the symbol of Mother’s Day. So a bouquet of carnations for Mother’s Day is not unimaginative at all, but rooted in deep tradition.
Carnations in a vase — care tips
Cutting carnations
Trim the stems at an angle, but not between the nodes — always cut between two thickened points. Use a sharp knife.
How to make carnations last longer
Carnations are true record-holders: 14 to 21 days in a vase is completely normal. Use clean, cool water with flower food and change it every 3–4 days. Keep them in a cool spot (18°C), out of direct sun.
Important: Don’t place carnations next to fruit! They are extremely sensitive to ethylene — the ripening gas released by fruit. It can cut their vase life in half.
How long do carnations last?
14–21 days with proper care. That makes them the longest-lasting common cut flower. Spray carnations (with several small blooms per stem) tend to last a little less long than standard carnations.
Carnations at MoBlumen Vienna
Fresh carnations in a bouquet or as a colourful surprise — delivered in Vienna.
Frequently asked questions about carnations
Carnations have firm, waxy petals that lose very little water. Their stems are sturdy and absorb water reliably. That’s why they last 2–3 weeks.
Carnations are mildly toxic to cats and dogs — they can cause stomach and intestinal upset. Not life-threatening, but best kept out of reach. A safe alternative: gerbera.
Fresh flowers at MoBlumen Vienna
Carnations, roses, bouquets and more — hand-tied and delivered quickly.
