Dianthus Barbarini Mix

Overview and Key Features

Dianthus 'Barbarini' Mix is a compact, floriferous variety of Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) bred for abundant blooms, neat growth, and long-lasting colour. It’s typically grown as a biennial or short-lived perennial, producing masses of fragrant, clove-scented flowers in vibrant shades of pink, red, purple, and white, often with striking bicolour patterns.

'Barbarini' is especially valued for its uniform height, early flowering, and adaptability to beds, containers, and borders. Its compact size and continuous blooming make it a great choice for both professional displays and home gardeners looking for reliable colour.

• Height: 20–30 cm

• Spread: 20–25 cm

• Flower type: Dense, flat clusters of small, frilled flowers

• Colour range: Mixed shades of pink, crimson, red, purple, and white

• Foliage: Glossy, dark green narrow leaves

• Blooming time: May to September

• Scent: Light to moderate clove fragrance

• Habit: Compact, bushy mounding

Planting Conditions and Preferences

Dianthus 'Barbarini' Mix is easy to grow and flourishes in sunny positions with free-draining soil. It suits both formal and informal planting schemes.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun for best flowering and compact growth

  • Tolerates light partial shade but with fewer blooms

• Soil Needs:

  • Well-drained, fertile soil is essential

  • Avoid overly rich or soggy soils—add grit if needed

  • Prefers neutral to alkaline pH

• Planting Tips:

  • Space plants 20–25 cm apart

  • Plant in spring once frosts have passed, or in early autumn for flowering the following year

  • For containers, use peat-free multipurpose compost with added perlite or grit

Watering, Feeding, and Maintenance

‘Barbarini’ is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant once established, but some care will help prolong flowering.

• Watering:

  • Keep moist during establishment and dry spells

  • Water at the base to prevent fungal problems

  • Avoid waterlogged soil—good drainage is key

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced liquid feed every 4–6 weeks during growing season

  • Slow-release fertiliser in spring can support extended blooming

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Deadhead regularly to encourage continued flower production

  • Trim spent flower stems lightly to neaten shape and prompt reblooming

  • Cut back fully in autumn to tidy plant and reduce disease risk

Garden Uses and Design Ideas

This mix is extremely versatile for small and large garden designs, and offers excellent colour density for displays.

• Best Uses:

  • Edging for borders and paths

  • Containers and patio pots

  • Mass planting for vibrant bedding displays

  • Rock gardens or alpine borders

  • Great in cut flower arrangements for colour and fragrance

• Companion Plants:

  • Mix with Lobelia, Viola, Marigolds, Alyssum, or compact Salvia

  • Combine with silver-leaved plants like Senecio or Artemisia

  • Pair with grasses or ferns for foliage contrast

Pollinator and Wildlife Appeal

• Pollinator-friendly: Flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and butterflies

• Scent: Adds gentle fragrance to sitting areas and cut flower displays

• Low allergen: Generally considered safe for allergy-prone gardeners

Hardiness and Lifespan

• Hardiness: Hardy in most UK and Irish regions (RHS H5)

• May be grown as a biennial or short-lived perennial, especially in milder climates

• Overwintering Tips:

  • Mulch lightly in cold areas

  • Avoid soggy ground during winter months

  • Dead foliage can be cut back in early spring

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.