Dianthus barbatus Precurseur - Sweet William

Dianthus barbatus Précurseur is a variety of Sweet William (or Poet's Carnation) particularly suited for cut flowers. On reaching a height of 80 cm (32in), large single flowers appear in pink or white, with fringed petals. This early variety offers the bucolic charm of its flowers for two months if care is taken to remove faded blooms, and helps to lighten the beds of heavier perennials. This plant is generally biennial, but can be an ephemeral perennial in mild climates, and is easy to grow in cool, rich, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade.

Dianthus barbatus is a plant of the Caryophyllaceae family found in many temperate regions of Europe and Asia. It is not very long-lasting as not very hardy, and is most often considered biennial, flowering in the second year after sowing. The plant forms a very tight basal clump of long, pointed leaves in the first year, light green to glaucous in colour. The flowering of the 'Precurseur' selection occurs very early in spring and lasts until early summer. Its very large flowers are gathered in flat cymes and borne at the end of thin, sturdy stems 80 cm (32in) tall. The flowers are either very bright fuchsia pink or white, depending on the plants, and show excellent vase life. The scent of the flowers is both spicy and sweet, reminiscent of cloves and cinnamon.

Sweet Wiliam is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal maintenance once well established. Like bellflowers and columbines, these plants have a place in all gardens and bouquets, imbuing them with poetry and mystery. Choose a prominent location, for example along a path or near an entrance, to fully enjoy the plant's sweet fragrance. In flowerbeds, plant carnations en masse to create beautiful splashes of colour, and let them spread to the vegetable garden where they can supply cut flowers for bouquets. They can also be grown in pots on the terrace or balcony, with stakes for the taller ones, ensuring proper drainage and occasional fertilisation.

Note: Please be aware that our plug plants are professional products reserved for experienced gardeners. Upon receipt, transplant them as soon as possible into pots, containers, or directly into flowerbeds.