Dianthus barbatus 'Flora Pearl Appleblossom'

Dianthus barbatus 'Flora Pearl Appleblossom' offers typical carnation flowers, small, slightly fragrant, in a pastel pink colour. Despite their small size, they form together dense and abundant flower heads. Very robust and hardy, this variety has a clump of glaucous foliage with 30cm (12in) floral stems and is very floriferous in summer. Ideal for cut flowers or container gardening, it self-seeds abundantly. Easy to grow in cool, rich, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. If the plant is in partial shade, it flowers until autumn, with fewer flowers.

Dianthus barbatus is a plant from the Caryophyllaceae family found in many temperate regions of Europe and Asia. Not very long-lived, but hardy, it is usually considered biennial, flowering in the second year after sowing. 'Flora Pearl Appleblossom' quickly forms a dense basal clump of long, pointed leaves, light green to glaucous. The size of the plants varies from 40 to 50cm (16 to 20in) in height when in flower. The flowering occurs in June. The small flowers gathered in flat clusters with a diameter of 8 to 15cm (3 to 6in) are carried at the end of thin and sturdy stems. Their colour is a soft, pastel pink, between pink and white. The flowers have a spicy and sweet fragrance, reminiscent of cloves and cinnamon.

Sweet William is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal maintenance once established. Like bellflowers and columbines, these plants have a place in all gardens, adding a touch of poetry. Choose a prominent location, such as along a pathway or near an entrance, to fully enjoy the plant's sweet fragrance. In flower beds, plant poet's carnations in mass to create beautiful spots of colour. They can also be grown in pots on the terrace or balcony, with proper drainage and watering, and occasional fertilization.