“The pride of her carnation train, Plucked up by some unheedy swain, Who only thought to crop the flower, New shot up from vernal shower.” Milton
History and Legends
The name dianthus was given by the Greek botanist Theophrastus. Dianthus means divine (dios) flower (anthos). The relationship to the divine might reference Artemis and a story portraying the irrational anger of a goddess. Artemis was hunting when a shepherd playing an instrument frightened her quarry. In a fit of anger, Artemis tore out the shepherd’s eyes. However, her anger passed like a summer shower and she immediately felt sorry for her anger. Her remorse resulted in beautiful flowers that bloomed in the place of the man’s lost eyes.
There are several theories regarding the linguistic roots of the common name of dianthus, which is carnation. Some believe that the common name also goes back to Greece. They believe that since the flower was used in ceremonial garlands and crowns that the name carnation is a reference to coronation or corone (flower garlands). Others believe that the common name has a more modern reference. Some believe that it refers to Christ’s incarnacyon or incarnation, God made flesh.
The reference to the divine haunts the flower in other ways, as well. Another name for carnations during the fifteenth century was gillyflower or clove. Many people felt that the scent of the carnation was similar to that of cloves. Cloves are shaped like nails – similar to the shape of the nails that people believed were used to hammer Jesus to the cross.
Catholics chose dianthus to represent the Virgin Mary (as well as at least fifty percent of all other flowers). As a result, dianthus appears in many paintings of the Virgin from the thirteenth century foreword.
However, the virginal aspect of the carnation is dubious since it soon gave way to a more carnal meaning. The carnation was later considered a symbol of marital love, fertility, and fidelity and was found in many marriage paintings during the Middle Ages. In fact, there is a story about Maximilian of Austria who was told by the bishop of Treves to seek under his bride's dress for a carnation hidden there. Apparently, Maximilian was unsure of how to proceed at the beginning of the search but soon became quite fervent about his endeavor. Oddly, no one seems to know whether he found what he was seeking.
Description
The leaves are “linear, lance-shaped and blue-grey or grey-green in colour, with a waxy texture.” (Houdret 143). The flowers come in shades of pink, white, red, and purple with double or single layers of petals. Most have a fringed or toothed edge to the petal.
Cultivation and Propagation
Pinks like to be planted in well-drained soil in a sunny location. They do not do well in heavy or wet soils. They can be cultivated by seed, division, and cuttings. They are prone to red spider mites. At the time of transplant or division they sometimes succumb to a fungus that causes them to rot off.
Culinary Uses
Dianthus is a popular culinary flower. Crystallized petals are used for decorating cakes, while fresh petals can be used in salads, pies, and sandwiches. It is important when using for culinary purposes to remove the petal base, which is quite bitter.
Medicinal Uses
Some believe that the petals can be made into a nerve tonic when combined with wine or vinegar.
Aromatic Uses
The old-fashioned varieties of pinks have a strong clove scent, which has made them popular in perfumes for more than 2,000 years. Pinks dry well and are a nice addition to potpourri and sachets. They are best dried when they first bloom out. The blossom should be twisted off and dried whole.
Sources
Houdret, Jessica. PracticalHerbGarden Hermes House, 2002
McVicar, Jekka. The Complete Herb Book. Kyle Cathie Limited, 1994.
Ward, Bobby J. A Contemplation Upon Flowers: Garden Plants in Myth and Literature. Timber Press, 2005.
Wells, Diana. 100 Flowers and How They Got Their Names. Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 1997
This article reports the common medicinal uses of the herb known as dianthus. Any herbal remedies attempted by the reader are done so at his or her own risk.
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