Dianthus Rockin'™ Purple

Dianthus Rockin'™ Purple: Violet Clusters Built for the Vase

Big, rounded clusters of tiny fringed purple flowers, packed tighter than a subway car at rush hour. This sweet William is purple from top to bottom, and if you keep deadheading, the encore keeps going. ROYALTY WITHOUT THE PAPERWORK.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Dianthus × barbatus interspecific hybrid
• Common Name: Sweet William
• Series: Rockin'™, from PanAmerican Seed (cultivar code PAS1350219)
• Height: 45–60 cm (18–24 in)
• Spread: 25–30 cm (10–12 in)
• Flowers: Large, rounded clusters of small, finely fringed, purple flowers with lilac tones and a light scent
• Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall, with more flowers when deadheaded (June to September)
• Foliage: Narrow, deep green leaves in a dense clump
• Features: Long bloom season, good cut flower, lightly fragrant

Where to Plant: Plant it in groups in the middle of a sunny border, in a cutting garden or in large containers. Choose a spot where the soil drains well, not a low area that sits wet in spring.

Companion Plants: Plant 'Rockin' Purple' in a sunny, dry bed with indigo, hot pink and a dark grass. Lewisia 'Little Tutti Frutti' tucks in at the front at 15 cm with mixed pastel flowers in May and June. Sedum SunSparkler® 'Blue Pearl' adds blue leaves and hot pink flowers at 15 to 20 cm in August and September. Baptisia Decadence® 'Blueberry Sundae' brings indigo-blue spikes at 90 cm in June and July. Andropogon 'Blackhawks' stands behind at 150 cm, its blades darkening to purple-black.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part sun, in well-drained soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline. The best flowering comes with full sun. Loosen heavy clay with grit or compost, or raise the bed slightly. Water through the first season and during dry spells. Deadhead faded clusters to keep new flowers coming. Tidy and cut back in early spring. Sweet William can be short-lived, so refresh the planting every few years.

History: Sweet William, Dianthus barbatus, comes from the mountains of southern Europe and is classically a biennial. PanAmerican Seed developed the Rockin'™ series as interspecific hybrids that flower in their first year and return as perennials.

Final Thoughts: Grow it in the cutting garden and you'll never pay for a bouquet again. YOUR FLORIST WILL MISS YOU.