Carnation

a fragrant flower belonging to the pink family. Native to southern Europe. It has been cultivated more than 2,000 years. The Greeks called it dianthus or the divine flower. The name carnation refers to its original flesh color, which, under modern skill, has been broken up into white, pink, red, and every intermediate hue. Over 500 varieties are recognized by florists. Monthly carnations, plants that yield a perpetual supply of flowers for florists' purposes, were originated by a gardener of Lyons, France, about the middle of the nineteenth century. Carnations are propagated usually by cuttings. Millions of dollars are invested in hothouses and grounds devoted to raising carnations for the market. See Floriculture