Carnation vs. Marigold — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 24, 2024
Carnations are known for their ruffled, ball-shaped blooms and a sweet fragrance, while marigolds are recognized for their vibrant orange and yellow flowers with a pungent scent.
Difference Between Carnation and Marigold
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) feature a variety of colors including pink, white, red, and yellow, and are popular for their distinctive, sweet fragrance and ruffled petals. On the other hand, marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are primarily known for their bright orange and yellow blooms and are often noted for their strong, sometimes pungent scent.
Carnations are commonly used in floral arrangements and for their symbolic meanings in different cultures, whereas marigolds are celebrated for their pest-repellent properties and are a staple in garden beds and vegetable patches.
Carnations have a longer vase life, making them ideal for bouquets and long-lasting floral displays, while marigolds, with their robust nature, are excellent for outdoor gardening over extended periods.
Carnations require well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil, while marigolds are less picky and thrive even in poor soil conditions.
Comparison Chart
Scientific Name
Dianthus caryophyllus
Tagetes spp.
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Color Varieties
Pink, white, red, yellow, etc.
Primarily orange and yellow
Scent
Sweet, subtle
Strong, pungent
Use in Gardens
Floral arrangements, decorative
Pest control, decorative, vegetable companions
Soil Preference
Well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline
Tolerant of poor soil conditions
Compare with Definitions
Carnation
Popular in the floral industry for their long vase life.
Carnations are favored by florists for their durability and vibrant colors.
Marigold
An annual plant known for its vibrant orange and yellow blooms.
Marigolds brightened up the entire community garden with their vivid colors.
Carnation
Often used in traditional celebrations and events.
Carnations are a staple during Mother's Day celebrations.
Marigold
Symbolic in many cultures, associated with celebrations like Dia de los Muertos.
During Dia de los Muertos, marigolds are used to decorate altars and graves.
Carnation
Requires specific soil conditions and careful maintenance.
For her carnation beds, she adjusted the soil to maintain a neutral pH.
Marigold
Requires minimal care and grows well in various soil types.
Marigolds are perfect for novice gardeners because they thrive even in neglected soil.
Carnation
Available in multiple colors, symbolizing different emotions like love and admiration.
He chose a bouquet of pink carnations to express his affection.
Marigold
Commonly used in gardens for their pest-repellent properties.
Gardeners plant marigolds among their vegetables to naturally deter pests.
Carnation
A perennial flower known for its ruffled petals and sweet fragrance.
The florist recommended carnations for the wedding bouquets due to their beauty and longevity.
Marigold
Features a distinctive, strong scent that is not universally appreciated.
The pungent smell of marigolds keeps rabbits away from the garden beds.
Carnation
A double-flowered cultivated variety of clove pink, with grey-green leaves and showy pink, white, or red flowers.
Marigold
Any of various North and South American plants of the genus Tagetes of the composite family, widely cultivated for their showy yellow or orange flowers.
Carnation
A rosy pink colour
Sage and carnation throw pillows
Marigold
Any of several plants having similar flowers, such as calendula or marsh marigold.
Carnation
Any of numerous cultivated forms of a perennial plant (Dianthus caryophyllus) having showy, variously colored, usually double, often fragrant flowers with fringed petals.
Marigold
Any of the Old World plants, of the genus Calendula, with orange, yellow or reddish flowers.
Carnation
A flower of this plant. Also called clove pink.
Marigold
Any of the New World plants, of the genus Tagetes, with orange, yellow or reddish flowers.
Carnation
A pinkish tint once used in painting.
Marigold
A million pounds sterling.
Carnation
A type of Eurasian plant widely cultivated for its flowers.
Marigold
Rubber glove for cleaning
Carnation
Originally, Dianthus caryophyllus
Marigold
Having the color of marigolds, a bright yellowish-orange hue.
Carnation
Other members of genus Dianthus and hybrids
Marigold
A name for several plants with golden yellow blossoms, especially the Calendula officinalis (see Calendula), and the cultivated species of Tagetes.
Carnation
The type of flower they bear, originally flesh-coloured, but since hybridizing found in a variety of colours.
Marigold
Any of various tropical American plants of the genus Tagetes widely cultivated for their showy yellow or orange flowers
Carnation
A rosy pink colour
Carnation
(archaic) The pinkish colors used in art to render human face and flesh
Carnation
A scarlet colour.
Carnation
Of a rosy pink or red colour.
Carnation
(archaic) Of a human flesh color.
Carnation
The natural color of flesh; rosy pink.
Her complexion of the delicate carnation.
Carnation
Those parts of a picture in which the human body or any part of it is represented in full color; the flesh tints.
The flesh tints in painting are termed carnations.
Carnation
A species of Dianthus (Dianthus Caryophyllus) or pink, having very beautiful flowers of various colors, esp. white and usually a rich, spicy scent.
Carnation
Eurasian plant with pink to purple-red spice-scented usually double flowers; widely cultivated in many varieties and many colors
Carnation
A pink or reddish-pink color
Carnation
Having the color of a carnation
Common Curiosities
Can carnations be grown indoors?
Yes, carnations can be grown indoors provided they have enough light and proper soil conditions.
What are the ideal growing conditions for carnations?
Carnations thrive in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil with full sun exposure.
Why might someone choose marigolds over other flowers for outdoor planting?
Their robust nature, pest-repellent properties, and minimal care requirements make marigolds a practical choice for outdoor planting.
What is the symbolism of different carnation colors?
Red carnations symbolize love and admiration, while white signifies purity and luck.
Are carnations suitable for all types of floral arrangements?
Yes, due to their variety of colors and long-lasting nature, carnations are suitable for a wide range of floral arrangements.
How do marigolds benefit a vegetable garden?
Marigolds help repel pests naturally, reducing the need for chemical insecticides.
What makes marigolds a popular choice for seasonal gardening?
Marigolds are drought-resistant, easy to care for, and add vibrant color, making them ideal for seasonal gardening.
How long can carnations last in a vase?
With proper care, carnations can last up to two weeks in a vase.
How often should carnations be watered?
Carnations should be watered regularly but allow the soil to dry between waterings to prevent overwatering.
What are the best companion plants for carnations in a garden?
Carnations do well with other perennials that have similar sun and soil preferences, such as lavender and salvia.
What are the common uses of marigolds in cultural festivals?
In cultural festivals like Dia de los Muertos, marigolds are used for decoration and to honor the deceased.
What pests are marigolds effective against?
Marigolds are particularly effective against nematodes and some insects like aphids.
Do carnations have any special care requirements during blooming?
During blooming, carnations may require support stakes and should be deadheaded to promote more blooms.
Can marigolds survive in shaded areas?
Marigolds prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, though they may not bloom as vigorously.
Are marigolds edible?
Yes, certain varieties of marigolds are edible and are sometimes used in salads for their color.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
