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Annual BiennialBedding

Dianthus barbatus Super Duplex Mixed (p,a/d)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

sweet william [Super Duplex Mixed]

A bushy, short-lived perennial, usually grown as a biennial to flower in spring and summer, with green leaves. A mixture of sweetly-scented clusters of double flowers, ranging in colour from bright and pastel pinks to reds and white appear in spring and summer. A lovely traditional plant for growing in the border or for cutting and enjoying in a vase

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Red Green
Summer Pink Red Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets: Skin allergen, wear 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

Trade

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well-drained neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in late spring and plant out into flowering positions in the autumn

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
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Deadhead as required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and aphids

Diseases

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

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