Dianthus 'Festival White Flame' (Sweet William) – Scented Hardy Bedding Plant (18 Plants in 2 x 9-Cell Trays)

Sweet William 'White Flame' brings classic cottage garden charm, with densely clustered white flower heads marked with a flame-like centre and a sweet, spicy scent.

This Dianthus barbatus type is a hardy biennial, so it sits out the winter as a small plant and flowers the following year. The blooms last well and make excellent cut flowers, and bees and butterflies visit them. The sap can irritate skin, so wear gloves when handling.

You receive 18 plants growing in 2 plastic 9-cell bedding trays, one plant to a cell. They are ready to plant out in a sunny or lightly shaded border, a raised bed or a patio container, where they will add height and fragrance. Plant in well-drained, fertile soil and water regularly until settled. Deadhead faded blooms to encourage more flowers.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Sweet William
• Botanical Name: Dianthus barbatus
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Approx. 30-60cm tall and 20-30cm wide
• Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming
• Perfect For: Cottage gardens, borders, cut flowers, containers, wildlife gardens
• Foliage: Lance-shaped, mid-green leaves
• Flowering Time: Late spring to summer (May to July)
• Flower Colour: White with flame-like markings at the centre
• Planting Position: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile
• Hardiness: Hardy, survives UK winters outdoors
• Maintenance: Low, deadhead to prolong flowering
• Seasonal Interest: Late spring and summer flowers
• Type: Hardy biennial