Sweet William Auricula Eyed Mixed

The definition of an old-fashioned flower — and one of the most sensory plants in the cottage garden. Auricula-Eyed Mixed produces dense clusters of velvety blooms with a crisp white eye surrounded by contrasting rings of crimson, violet, salmon, and pink — a hand-painted quality that looks as though each flower has been individually decorated.

Combined with a delicious spicy clove scent, it fills the June gap perfectly — bridging the time between the last spring tulips and the first summer roses, and providing a feast for butterflies throughout.

• Dianthus barbatus — Hardy Biennial (H5)
• Height: 45–60cm | Flowers: May–July (Year 2)
• Sow outdoors May–July; flowers the following summer
• Full sun; well-drained soil
• Self-seeds reliably once established
• Outstanding pollinator plant — butterflies in particular

Plant it between spring bulbs and summer perennials and let it do what it has always done — hold the garden together with scent and colour at the most beautiful time of year.