The Other Flower of January

carnationCarnation

Another well known birth flower for the month of January is the Diantuhus, carophylus, the formal name for the carnation.  Dianthus is derived from Greek, meaning “flower of heaven” or “flower of Jove”.

D. carophylus has been cultivated extensively for the last 2,000 years.  While its exact native range is unknown, it is the wild ancestor of the garden carnation.   The colors expressed in the carnation offer rich symbolism, and it is best known for true love (red), luck (white) and motherly love (pink).

carnation