• Dianthus barbatus &
  • Dianthus sootty flowers
  • dianthus sooty foliage
  • dianthus sooty in bloom
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Dianthus barbatus &
Dianthus sootty flowers
dianthus sooty foliage
dianthus sooty in bloom

Dianthus barbatus 'Nigrescens' | sooty sweet william

This plant will not be available in 2026, however, propagation is planned/underway. Please sign up for the waitlist below to receive updates on availability in future years.

Dianthus barbatus 'Nigrescens', often referred to as 'Sooty', is most unlike other members of the genus. It is a biennial that puts out extremely ornamental green to mahogany-hued foliage its first year. In its second year, it bursts into intensely fragrant bloom. The deep maroon flowers perfectly complement the slender, dark leaves. Fragrant flowers last a long time in the vase. 

Easy to grow in a sunny, well-drained location. Self-seeds when happy. 

Distinctions: winner of an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1993 
 
Zones: 3 to 9
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Type: Biennial 
Height: 12 to 15 in.
Spread: 6 to 12 in.
Exposure: Full sun, part-shade
Soil Conditions: dry, well-drained
Bloom Time: May to September
Bloom Color: deep red, near black 
Native Range: Europe, Asia, Russia

Special Characteristics
  • Deer-resistant
  • Salt tolerant
  • Pollinator favorite
image credits

@ The Old Dairy Nursery

Jelitto

Dianthus barbatus &
Dianthus sootty flowers
dianthus sooty foliage
dianthus sooty in bloom

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sweet william seedlingsweet william seedling
garden location coming soongarden location coming soon
 

view this plant in our gardens:

The Cobble Patch | 2025

seedling image

Dianthus barbatus 'Nigrescens' | sooty sweet william

We are slowly creating a seedling image library to help make weeding easier.
garden location coming soongarden location coming soon
 
sweet william seedlingsweet william seedling