Dianthus barbatus 'Robustus Extra Mix'

The 'Robustus Extra Mix' Sweet William is a variety of Dianthus barbatus with extra double flowers in a mix of colours. It is a short-lived perennial, grown as a biennial, producing highly fragrant flowers, bicoloured or solid, in very vibrant colours, with fringed petals. This mix includes shades of pink, crimson, lilac, salmon, white, and red, in a multitude of combinations. This historical and late variety, ideal for cut flowers in open fields, has very long and extremely robust stems. Hardy and relatively slow-growing, it forms clumps of glaucous foliage that are very floriferous in late spring and early summer over two years. Easy to grow in moist, rich, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade.

Dianthus barbatus is a plant in the Caryophyllaceae family that can be 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 its second year after sowing. In the first year, the plant forms a tight basal clump of long, pointed leaves that are light green to glaucous. Flowering occurs in late spring and early summer. The small double flowers, grouped in flattened cymes measuring 8 to 15cm (3 to 6in) in diameter, are borne on thin, sturdy stems. Their colour, which can vary greatly, sometimes shows the combination of two colours, variegated or striated. It should be noted that, like all Sweet Williams, it contains 40 to 50% of plants with single flowers. Some plants may have flowers that change colour as they bloom. The flowers have a spicy and sweet fragrance, reminiscent of cloves and cinnamon.

The poet's carnation is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal maintenance once established. To fully enjoy the plant's sweet fragrance, place it in a high-traffic area, along a pathway or near an entrance, whether in flowerbeds or pots. Plant poet's carnations in mass to create beautiful colourful carpets. In pots, on a terrace or balcony, ensure proper drainage and provide some fertiliser.