Dianthus allwoodii Alice

Dianthus (Allwoodii Group) 'Alice', also known as Sweet William, is a small perennial with bicolour flowering. Its semi-double flowers are red-purple in the centre and the petals are bordered with ivory white. These bold and cheerful hues brighten up borders from May onwards in the mildest climates and ensure a generous flowering until early autumn (if you regularly remove faded flowers). It is fragrant and produces lovely little bouquets that fill the house with scent.

'Alice' is a variety created in the early 20th century by Montagu Allwood, a famous English nurseryman who worked with his two brothers in the Allwoods Brothers company. Through numerous cross-breeding, he gave rise to multiple cultivars of Sweet Williams, mostly with feminine names, and sparked enthusiasm for this charming perennial in the 20th century. It is now a classic in our gardens. Its size (20cm (8in) tall and 30cm (12in) wide) makes it suitable for borders, near pathways, as well as in rockeries and containers. From its cushion-like base, which forms a carpet, angular and knotty stems emerge, bearing one or several highly fragrant flowers at their tops. These flowers consist of fringed petals with distinctly contrasting colours. The thin and linear leaves have a grey-blue tint and are arranged opposite each other on the stems. They are semi-evergreen.

Allwood Sweet Williams thrive in sunny exposures, well-drained humus-rich soils, and even dry and rocky soils. They are hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F). They require minimal maintenance; just remove faded flowers to encourage blooming. As a short-lived perennial, they can be easily propagated by layering or cuttings.

Its compact size is an asset for spreading its fragrance throughout our gardens. 'Alice' easily finds its place in small borders, along patios, or in containers near doorways. Along the edges of larger ensembles, it naturally pairs well with the grey-green foliage of Euphorbias ('Tasmanian Tiger') and wormwoods, but also harmonises with the purples of columbines ('Ruby Port') and knautias.