I was looking for references to
the late Frank Petersohn,
and came across this thread with its
pondering of whether the cradle is 'besteckt'
with flowers or with little bitty nails.

You all know more about the German than I do,
so I defer to your contributions.
Since you mentioned carnations along with nails, though:

I was reminded of the Spanish language.
The problems are similar.
'Clavo' is both 'nail' and 'clove.'
'Clavel' and 'clavelito,' however.
refers to carnations.