Forming neat, leafy mounds topped with dense clusters of fragrant flowers, Dianthus barbatus 'Pink Magician' creates an eye-catching display that evolves as the blooms mature. Opening in crisp white before blending through pink tones, each flower head offers a naturally varied mix of colour, giving the plant a fresh look over a long flowering season. Its compact habit makes it a great choice for edging paths, filling patio pots, or weaving through cottage-style and mixed borders, while the lightly scented blooms are equally at home in cut flower arrangements. A short-lived perennial or biennial, this easy-going sweet william thrives in a sunny spot with well-drained soil and copes well with drier conditions once established, rewarding you with plenty of colourful flowers that also attract pollinating insects. For pots or containers, use a peat-free multi-purpose compost mixed with grit to improve drainage. They dislike heavy, waterlogged ground, so choose an open, free-draining site. Once plants are established, apply a mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds in plants that are in border settings. Water during dry spells, especially in free-draining soils or containers. Feed with a liquid fertiliser every 4-6 weeks through the growing season to encourage blooms. In colder areas, protect plants over winter with a light mulch or fleece.

Autumn Planting