Dianthus barbatus Indian Carpet Mixed

The Dianthus barbatus Indian Carpet Mix, also known as the Annual Carnation with Single Flowers Mix, is a short-lived perennial, grown as a biennial, producing highly fragrant, variegated or single-colored flowers, with fringed petals in shades of white, violet, pink, carmine, or red, in a multitude of combinations. Its fast growth allows it to bloom 10 weeks after sowing, from spring to the heart of summer. Robust and hardy, it is an ideal plant for containers, borders, and cottage gardens. Easy to grow in moist, rich, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade.

The Dianthus barbatus is a plant from the Caryophyllaceae family found in many temperate regions of Europe and Asia. Although not very long-lived, it is hardy and is usually considered a biennial, flowering in the second year after sowing. The Indian Carpet Mixed selection produces compact, fairly low plants, not exceeding 30 cm (11.8 in) in height when in bloom. The first year, the plant forms a tight basal clump of long, pointed leaves, light green to glaucous. The flowering occurs in late spring and early summer. The small, single flowers arranged in flat clusters measuring 8 to 15 cm (5.9 in) in diameter are carried on thin, sturdy stems. Their color, highly variable, sometimes shows the combination of 2 colors, variegated or striated. Some plants may have flowers that change color as they mature. The fragrance of the flowers is both spicy and sweet, reminiscent of cloves and cinnamon.