Sweet William 'Nigricans'

Dianthus barbatus 'Nigricans' is a captivating and unusually dark-flowered biennial, often grown as an annual for its intense, velvety, near-black blooms. While typically biennial, it flowers in its second year from a spring sowing, making it a spectacular annual for early summer colour if sown the previous late summer or autumn. 'Nigricans' offers dramatic contrast in borders and is highly prized for its rich, spicy fragrance, reminiscent of cloves. It prefers full sun and well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil. These compact plants are excellent for cutting, adding a unique, moody elegance to floral arrangements. Beyond its dramatic colour, its traditional charm makes it a wonderful addition to cottage gardens, attracting pollinators with its sweet scent.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: May, Jun, Jul.