Dianthus 'Festival Mix' (Sweet William) – Scented Mixed Colour Bedding Plants (18 Plants in 2 x 9-Cell Trays)

Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) is a classic cottage garden favourite, with domed clusters of richly coloured, sweetly spicy scented flowers that bees and butterflies love.

This mixed selection of colours typically includes rich reds, deep pinks, soft whites and bi-coloured blooms, so you get a varied, eye-catching display. The flowers are excellent for cutting and bringing indoors. Individual colour combinations within the mix may vary.

You receive 18 plants, supplied in 2 plastic 9-cell trays with one plant to a cell, ready to plant out in borders, raised beds, patio containers or a cutting garden. Sweet William is hardy and does best in full sun in well-drained, fertile soil. Space the plants about 20-30cm apart for good air circulation.

Water regularly after planting until established, then water moderately. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage a longer flowering season and feed with a balanced general-purpose fertiliser in spring. The sap can irritate skin, so wear gloves when handling.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Sweet William
• Botanical Name: Dianthus barbatus
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Approx. 30-60cm tall and 20-30cm wide (variety dependent)
• Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming with sturdy stems
• Perfect For: Cottage gardens, borders, cutting gardens, containers, raised beds
• Foliage: Lance-shaped, mid-green leaves forming a low basal rosette
• Flowering Time: Late spring to summer (June to July)
• Flower Colour: Mixed colours
• Planting Position: Full sun
• Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Hardiness: Hardy
• Type: Hardy biennial bedding plant