Dianthus barbatus Auricula Eyed Mixed (p,a)![RHS Plants for pollinators](/assets/styles/images/icons/RHS_Bee_YELLOW-REGISTERED.png)
![RHS Plants for pollinators](/assets/styles/images/icons/RHS_Bee_YELLOW-REGISTERED.png)
sweet william 'Auricula-Eyed Mixed'
Biennials to 60cm, with mid-green foliage and terminal clusters of fragrant, bicoloured flowers in shades of crimson, purple and pink with contrasting pale centres, from late spring
![](https://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselectorimages/detail/WSYD0002920_643.jpg)
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Pink Purple Red | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Pink Purple Red | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets: Skin allergen, wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Dianthus can be annuals, evergreen perennials or subshrubs with narrow, often greyish leaves and showy flowers that are frequently fragrant
- Name status
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a well-drained neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in late spring and plant out into flowering positions in the autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Deadhead as required
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust, a virus and fusarium wilt
Get involved
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