Crossword Genius

Blossom, vehicle and country (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

carnation

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'blossom' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both plants as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'vehicle and country' is the wordplay.
'vehicle' becomes 'car' (car is a kind of vehicle).
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'country' becomes 'nation' (synonyms).
'car'+'nation'='CARNATION'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for carnation that I've seen before include "Pink/white/red flower" , "Oscar Wilde wore a green one" , "Showy flower" , "Feature of many a wedding" , "Pink - garden flower" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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