Dianthus superbus ‘Beard Violet’ produces wonderfully unusual violet-purple flowers with deeply fringed, almost feather-like petals. Sweetly scented and carried on slender stems above neat grey-green foliage, these delicate blooms bring movement and texture to borders, cottage gardens and naturalistic planting schemes.
They are also attractive to pollinating insects and make an unusual addition to relaxed summer arrangements. A hardy, short-lived perennial that may flower in its first year when sown early.
When to Sow: Feb – Jul
HOW TO SOW:
Sow Indoors – Sow onto the surface of moist, free-draining seed compost and cover with a very fine layer of vermiculite. Do not exclude light, as this assists germination. Keep at 20–25°C until germination occurs. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them individually and grow on in cooler, bright conditions. Harden off gradually before planting outside after the danger of severe frost has passed.
Sow Direct – Sow thinly into finely prepared, well-drained soil from May to July. Cover very lightly, keep moist during germination and thin the seedlings to their final spacing. Later sowings will generally flower the following year.
Classification: Hardy Short-Lived Perennial
Expert Level: Easy to Grow
Germination Time: 2–4 Weeks
Site: Full Sun
Soil Type: Light, fertile, well-drained soil
Soil Acidity: Neutral / Alkaline
Moisture: Well-drained
Care: Water regularly while plants are establishing, but avoid waterlogged conditions, particularly during winter. Deadhead faded flowers regularly to encourage a longer flowering Time. Established plants can be divided or propagated from cuttings to maintain them.
Use: Cut Flowers, Cottage Gardens, Borders, Gravel Gardens, Containers, Pollinator Gardens
Harvesting: Cut when the first flowers on each stem have opened. Harvest during the coolest part of the day and place the stems directly into clean water.
Days to Maturity: 120–150 Days from an early sowing; later sowings usually flower the following year
Flowering Time: Jun–Sep
Vase Life: 5–7 Days
Height: 45–60 cm
Plant Spacing: 25–30 cm