Sweet William 'Nigrescens'

Dianthus barbatus 'Nigrescens', commonly known as Black Adder Sweet William, is a striking biennial that brings a touch of drama to UK gardens. Growing to around 40-60cm tall, it features deep, velvety, black-red flowers with fringed petals, often with a darker eye, appearing in dense clusters from late spring to mid-summer. What truly sets this cultivar apart are its intensely dark, almost black, bronze-purple leaves and stems, providing excellent contrast even when not in bloom. It's fully hardy (H6) and prefers a well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Fantastic for cottage garden borders, cutting gardens, or as an accent plant amongst lighter foliage and flowers. Attracts pollinators.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: May, Jun, Jul.