Dianthus barbatus Oeschberg

Dianthus barbatus 'Oeschberg' is a variety of sweet william that stands out for the rich, bright and deep colour of its flowering. It is a rare colour that combines shades of carmine red, magenta and violet around a mauve throat, enhanced by reddish-tinged foliage. This pleasantly scented carnation forms beautiful flowering clumps in spring and summer for at least two months. Perfect for cut flowers, this single and generous flower has a place in all gardens and containers.

Dianthus barbatus 'Oeschberg' is a horticultural variety. Its ancestor, the sweet william, belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family found in many temperate regions of Europe and Asia. It is a hardy plant, usually considered biennial. It flowers in the second year after sowing. 'Oeschberg' quickly forms a tight basal clump composed of long, pointed leaves, which are dark green to reddish. The fully bloomed plant will reach a height of 40 to 45cm (16 to 18in) from the ground. Narrow and acute leaves, smaller in size, sheath the stems that bear the flower clusters at their tops. Flowering begins in May and continues until July, or even longer if you regularly remove faded stems. The small flowers, gathered in flattened cymes with a diameter of 8 to 12cm (3 to 5in), are carried on thin but sturdy stems. The flowers have a spicy and sweet fragrance, reminiscent of cloves and cinnamon.

'Oeschberg' is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal maintenance once established. Like bellflowers and columbines, this plant has its place in a cottage garden. Choose a prominent location, such as along a path or near a doorway, to fully enjoy the beauty of the flowers and their gentle fragrance. In a flower bed, plant in clusters to create beautiful splashes of colour. They can also be grown in pots on a patio or balcony. If growing in containers, ensure there is proper drainage and provide occasional fertiliser inputs.