Dianthus Amazon Series

RHS Plant Profile
sweet william Amazon Series
Annual Biennial Bedding

A short-lived perennial often grown as an annual. Cultivars in the Amazon Series have brightly coloured domed clusters of flowers held above green foliage. They are good for providing colour in spring and summer bedding displays and as a cut flower. Flowering stems often grow taller than 50cm

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand, Clay, Chalk

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand Clay Chalk
Moisture
Well–drained or Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral or Alkaline or Acid

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets: Skin allergenwear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Dianthus can be annuals, evergreen perennials or subshrubs with narrow, often greyish leaves and showy flowers that are frequently fragrant
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant out into flowering positions in autumn for a main display of colour in spring, or plant out in spring for a main display of colour in summer. Grow in a sheltered, sunny site on free-draining soil

Propagation

Propagate by seed sold as named Amazon Series; seed collected from cultivars may result in plants with different characteristics

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Bedding
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, a virus and fusarium wilt