n.
Herbaceous plant ( Dianthus caryophyllus ) of the pink family , native to the Mediterranean, widely cultivated for its fringe-petaled, often spicy-smelling flowers.
Border, or garden, carnations include a range of varieties and hybrids. The perpetual flowering carnation, taller and stouter, produces larger flowers and blooms almost continuously in the greenhouse; miniature (baby) and spray varieties are also grown for the florist trade. Carnations are among the most popular cut flowers, used in floral arrangements, corsages, and boutonnieres.