Dianthus barbatus Nigrescens Sooty

The Dianthus barbatus nigrescens 'Sooty' is a unique variety of carnation that stands out in any garden due to its striking red and black colours. The plant is small, with green leaves with red and black metallic reflections and purple stems that bear bouquets in a dark shade of red that almost looks black in full sun. The flowers bloom from May and can last up to two months, provided that the faded stems are regularly removed. Plant it alongside other plants with dark foliage or pair it with small coppery grasses like autumn sedges to create a beautiful contrast.

The Dianthus barbatus is a plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family, found in many temperate regions of Europe and Asia. The nigrescens form is often confused with its cultivar 'Sooty', and it is characterised by the mahogany or purple colour with black metallic reflections of its foliage and the intense chocolate-red colour of its flowers. While not very hardy, it is most commonly known as a biennial plant, flowering the second year after sowing. During its first year, the plant forms a tight basal clump of long pointed leaves that sheath the stems at the base. The purple-black colour of the foliage is exquisite in winter, even without flowers. The 'Sooty' selection blooms from May to July. Its almost black flower buds open into large single, fringed flowers gathered in flattened cymes at the end of thin, sturdy purple stems, which stand 40 cm (15.7 in) tall. The flowers have a deep red-brown colour that becomes more pink towards the centre and on the edge of the petals. They also have an excellent vase life. The flowers' scent is spicy and sweet, reminiscent of cloves and cinnamon.

Carnations are one of the easiest plants to grow, requiring very little maintenance once established. These plants, along with bellflowers and columbines, are perfect for any garden or bouquet, adding a touch of poetry and mystery. If you want to enjoy their sweet fragrance fully, we suggest planting them along a path or near an entrance. In a flower bed, mass plant Sooty carnations to create beautiful splashes of colour and combine them with other plants such as black Ophiopogon 'Purpurascens' clover, large sedums with dark foliage, or Pennisetum setaceum Rubrum, and Amaranth Velvet Curtains. Additionally, the small white flowers of Chamomiles or Iberis will form elegant contrasts with their colours. Carnations are also suitable for being grown in pots on the terrace or balcony, provided the drainage and watering are good and are given fertiliser.

Note: These plug plants are reserved for experienced gardeners. Transplant them as soon as possible, either in pots, containers, or flower beds.