Dianthus barbatus 'Diabunda Pink Pearl' (Sweet William) – Fragrant Pink and Purple Bedding Plant (12 Plants in 2 x 6-Cell Trays)

Sweet William 'Diabunda Pink Pearl' (Dianthus barbatus) is a compact, fragrant bedding plant with pink and purple bi-colour flowers. You get 12 plants, supplied growing in 2 plastic 6-cell trays with one plant to a cell, ready to plant out into borders, rockeries, window boxes, hanging baskets and patio containers.

The dense, richly coloured flower heads are loved by bees and butterflies, which makes it a good choice for a wildlife-friendly scheme. Growth is compact and mound-forming, with narrow, blue-green, lance-shaped leaves, and the flowers carry a light fragrance.

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. It is hardy and will sit outdoors through a British winter. Water regularly in dry spells and avoid waterlogging. Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Sweet William is often grown as a biennial or short-lived perennial, so expect the best display in its main flowering season.

The sap of dianthus can irritate the skin of people and pets, so wear gloves if you have sensitive skin.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Sweet William
• Botanical Name: Dianthus barbatus and Dianthus chinensis
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Approx. 25-35cm tall and 20-30cm wide (variety dependent)
• Growth Habit: Compact, dense, mound-forming
• Perfect For: Borders, rockeries, patio pots, window boxes, hanging baskets, cottage gardens
• Foliage: Narrow, blue-green, lance-shaped leaves
• Flower Colour: Pink and purple bi-colour
• Planting Position: Full sun
• Soil Type: Well-drained soil
• Hardiness: Hardy
• Maintenance: Low maintenance, deadhead to prolong flowering
• Seasonal Interest: Autumn planting, flowers the following year
• Type: Bedding plant